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Dara Barker Obituary
Dara Krissett Barker
Dara was determined to make a difference in people's lives. As a single mother of three, Dara graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate. She went on to teach fifth and sixth grades at Woodway Elementary in Edmonds where she was treasured as an inspirational teacher and friend.
Beloved mother and grandmother, she was a shining light to all whose life she touched.
Dara was preceded in death by an older brother and sister-in-law.
Dara devoted her life to her three surviving children, daughter, Rachael Anderson and her four kids, Reece, Conner, Noah and Faithlynn; her oldest son, Curtis Askew and his family; and her youngest son, Casey Whitney. Dara was also survived by her mother, Nona Barker; father, Beryl Barker; step-mother, Celeste Barker; two brothers; three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dara loved to sing and dance her way through life. She was an amazing poet and photographer. She had a special way of consoling and healing those who came to her in need,
Dara was full of life, love and spirit. She loved and strengthened all those around her with open arms and without judgement. We will miss her and cherish her immensely.
Mom, grandma, daughter, sister and friend, we love you so much.
You are invited to a celebration of life memorial at Mill Creek Foursquare Church, 1415 164th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087, on Monday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dara Barker
BRANDI RUSSELL
May 26, 2025
Think of you often.
Jim Gellein
June 19, 2009
Dear Family, I was a back-door neighbor to Dara and family when we were kids. I dreamt of her in early June and my Mom told me of her passing tonight, June 19. We are all connected and Dara is with us still.
Neville Harewood
June 14, 2009
Dara, I will always remember you.
Neville
Kori Weber
June 2, 2009
My daughter had Ms. Barker and she has changed her life she was amazing in so many ways and helped her and was tough on her but loved her .. Dara was a amazing friend to me and I will always remember how she would laugh and tell me girl you have a back bone of a gummy bear stop letting people be mean to you.. LOL.. We will always remember her and love our time we did have with her.. She will be truely missed..
June 1, 2009
My children and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dara Barker. Our sympathy goes out to her family above all else, but also to the students and staff at Woodway Elementary.
Ms Barker was an enthusiastic and energetic teacher, both of my children had her at some point. My daughter was learned alot regarding the environment and animal care from her.
I know she touched many, many lives. What an honor to be remember that way.
sincerely,
Karine, Sophia and Ryan McGregor
Gene
June 1, 2009
Dara and I were gig buddies for several years before we started seeing each other. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to get to know her better, however briefly. She loved to dance, and had such a genuine heartfelt smile that you couldn't help but feel special if it was directed at you. My deepest sympathy for your loss... Our loss.
Nancy Lapke
June 1, 2009
I did not know Dara that well but I do know alot of people who did and they are sorely grieving. She touched many, many lives and I am grateful to have known her at all. Our prayers are with you...Marco's.
Brandi Russell
June 1, 2009
Dara had a smile that could light up the world. Although I have not spoken to her in over ten years I think of her often with warmth in my heart. I remember her love for her children and of life. She made such a difference in my life. Racheal , Curtis and Casey I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you often and you are in my thoughts and prayers now. Your Mother was a special person who touched everyone she came in contact with. I will never forgot our friendhip. I can still hear her and wonderful laugh. She was truely an angel her on earth.
Corrie vanKampen
June 1, 2009
My daughter, Emma, was in your mother's class this year. Emma loved to stay after school and help Ms. Barker in whatever way she could...cleaning up, organizing, etc. I think it was her way to just spend some extra time with the teacher that she loved so much. Ms. Barker fed Emma's love of science. She was such a passionate and effective teacher, and we just loved her so very much. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss, but I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that she made a huge difference in the life of my daughter, and to so many. God Bless.
madysen ellis
May 31, 2009
curtis,casey, and rachel I am very sorry about your mothers dealth she was a great teacher most half the classmates were crying so hard i bet they would miss her very very much thanks and have a good rest of the day!!
one of ms. barkers classmates
Shelley Kisena
May 30, 2009
Rachel, Curtis and Casey...I am so sorry for the human loss of your mother. My heart aches for all of you. She will always be with you in spirit and will always be by your side. I will miss a very deep and close friend. What a great mother, friend and person she was. She loved life, she fought to live life. I admired her so, we had so many laughs together. She sang a good song, wrote beautiful poetry and loved her paintings that I saw. She will be sorely missed by many. I pray for you all. Your mom was great, keep each other in each others arms, with love, Shelley and her sons, Vince and Luke
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