Barbara Catherman

1923 - 2017

Barbara Catherman
1923-2017
Barbara Lorane Schoonover Catherman
Barbara passed away quietly on the morning of January 28, 2017. She was born July 24, 1923 at St Al's in Boise Idaho. She was raised by her grandparents, Noah and Julia Schoonover. When Barbara was 6 years old they moved from Boise to North Dakota. In 1939 the family moved back to Boise. They lived off of Warmsprings, the last house on the left by the old penitentiary. Barbara attended Boise High School.
Barbara worked at the Milner Hotel cleaning rooms and at the Boise Hotel as a waitress. Later, she went to work microfilming for a company called Remmington Rand.
In 1947, she married Ike Catherman. Together, they raised 6 children. They were divorced in 1970. Barbara returned to work microfilming, first for the State of Idaho, then Boise Cascade, from which she retired in 1988. She remained retired all of 3 months. It was not for her! She returned to work microfilming for the City of Boise before finally retiring in 2003.
She is survived by her 6 children, Ron Catherman, Rayah Rideout, Chuck Catherman, Jo Colombo, Kelli Larson and Gus Catherman, 6 grandchildren and many great grand children, to whom she was known affectionately as "Mama B."
Mom will be remembered for her persevering spirit, her love of gardening, birds and squirrels. She wanted to live to be 100, but a struggle with Alzheimer's cut that short.
A heartfelt "Thank you!" is to be extended to our sister, Rayah, who devotedly cared for her in her home until the very end, and a special thanks to Larry and Karen Wildman for their compassionate help.
The family would like to extend our appreciation to the staff at Encompass Hospice, especially Emily, Dean, Danielle, Ursula, Brittney and Tarah. The entire staff was great. Thank you, all!
Mom requested that no service be held. Instead, an informal gathering to honor her will be held in the near future. If you wish to be notified with the details of that gathering, please leave your contact information with any condolences on the Statesman's online obituary site.