Barbara Lawai Speegle

Barbara Lawai Speegle, 63, passed on to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Barb was born on Sept. 12, 1945, in Honolulu to Calvin and Margaret Speegle. Barb spent her childhood in Hawaii and moved to Fairbanks when she was 16. She was a 1963 graduate of Lathrop High School.

Starting at age 8, Barb's greatest love was speaking through the expression of hula dancing. This love expanded to teaching her sisters how to dance. She loved to play softball, volleyball, enjoyed cooking, the outdoors and gardening. The oldest of 10 children, Barb especially loved her family, spending time with her family at gatherings and special occasions at her home. She took great joy in hosting these occasions.

Barb had no children, but found greater joy spending time babysitting and playing a huge role raising other members of her family throughout the years. Barb loved to shop and enjoyed spending time with her personal care attendant, Lexine. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her kind heart. She was always thanking you by saying, "Thank you sweetie." Our beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend will be greatly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Barb was preceded in death by her nephew, James Michael Conley; baby brother; Calvin; maternal grandparents, Hannah and John Silva; and paternal grandparents, James and Gertie Speegle.

Barb is survived by her parents, Calvin Sr. and Margaret Speegle of Fairbanks; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and John Evans of Anchorage, brother and sister-in-law, Calvin Jr. and Michele Speegle of Koloa Kauai, Hawaii; sister and brother-in-law, Debra and Bill Tomlinson of Wasilla, sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Faausu Fonoti of Fairbanks, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Michele Speegle of Fairbanks, sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn "Kehau" and Stephen Shaver of Fairbanks, brother and sister-in-law, James "Gigi" and Michele Speegle of Fairbanks, brother and sister-in-law, John "Darrell" and Roxanne Speegle of Fairbanks; 20 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous other family members all over the country.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that condolences be sent to Barb's parents and family, 666 11th Ave., Suite 206, Fairbanks, AK 99701. 

The family will have a private memorial service at a later date, and Barbara's final resting place will be in Hawaii.

Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.