Barbara Diane Simning, age 61, passed away on March 26, 2012, after a long illness. Barbara was born July 28, 1950, in Lodi, CA to Ernest and Mary Jayne Gaetke. She graduated from Lodi High School where she was active in the Drama Club and the A Cappella Choir who performed in Japan. Barbara continued singing throughout her life including recording her first gospel album at the age of 16 with her mother Mary Jayne at Capitol Records in Hollywood. Barbara also graduated from Pasadena Nazarene College. After a long career as a mortgage underwriter, she retired in 2007.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Gaetke and her stepfather, Gene Gaither. Barbara is survived by her mother, Mary Jayne Gaither of Lodi, daughters, Camy Jo (Trenton) Platt of Portland, Oregon and Catherine Jayne Simning of Lodi, sister, Marilyn Cunnington of Lodi, brothers, Dean Gaetke, Bruce (Linda) Gaetke of Lodi, and Brian Gaetke of Los Angeles. She has 23 nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly. Barbara attended the First Baptist Church of Lodi and was most proud of her ministry as a member, along with her siblings, of the Gospel recording group Heaven Sent.
Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, April 1, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held on Monday, April 2, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with committal to follow at Cherokee Memorial Park. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Lodi Funeral Home.

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Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Mar. 30 to Apr. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Simning

19 Entries

Bruce and Carol Feldman

March 24, 2022

A good friend who is missed

Janice Hixson , Torchia

March 3, 2018

I know its a few years since Barbaras passing but just recently saw the announcement.
I went to high school with Barbara and sang in the acapella choir with her. I will always remember her beautiful smile and amazing voice. Barbara had such a sweet spirit about her , a pleasure to be around.
A privilege to call her my friend.

April 16, 2012

To Barbara's Family. Bruce and I are so sorry to hear of her passing. We enjoyed many vacations, dinners, fun times with her in the past. She was always great fun to be with. Bruce and Carol Feldman

Judi Miller

April 15, 2012

April 15, 2012

I am so very sad to hear about Barbara. Even though I didn't see her often, she was always someone special in my life and she will always be in my thoughts. My heart breaks for your whole family. Please know how much I care.

Janice (Hennecke) Galanos

April 10, 2012

I remember Barbara from high school as a warm, friendly, funny gal....who was just so beautiful. I am sorry for your loss.

Janice (Hennecke) Galanos

LouAnne Cooke Parker

April 8, 2012

Just learned of Barbara's passing. So sorry for all of you. Wish she and I could have spent time together in recent years. I have many fun memories of our youth. Love to you all, LouAnne Cooke Parker

Michael LeBeau

April 6, 2012

I am so sad to hear the news. I enjoyed the times that I sang with Barbara and Marilyn so much. My love to all the family.

Suz Nielson

April 5, 2012

Dean, Mary Jane, and family,
I am sorry for your loss. My heart aches for each of you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength to endure in your time of need and may you feel his love wrapped around you. I pray you all may "have hope in tomorrow, faith in the everlasting, and take comfort in the love of friends and family"

April 3, 2012

May God fill you with many wonderful memories during this very difficult time. May your memories fill you with peace and love. Our prayers are with you. Kelly Geist & Family

Steve & Melody Parks

April 2, 2012

Our sympathy to the entire family. Barb's voice was like an angel when she sang, we loved hearing her sing. Now she can sing at Jesus feet. She will be missed.

Denise Guady Hughes

April 2, 2012

I am very sad to hear about Barbara. My prayers of peace and comfort to her entire family.

Glenda Winchester King

April 2, 2012

To all of Barbara's family, I was so sorry to hear of her passing. We went to school together from Garfield to Lodi Union High. I can remember going to your house and listening to your mother and Polly Johnson sing. Even the kids would join in. I have always treasured those memories of a very special person. I know she is in a better place and singing in the choir of heaven with Polly by her side. May God bless you all.

April 2, 2012

Hey Bruce and Linni,
We are so sorry for your loss.Keeping you in our prayers, Love to you both,
Rick and Mickey

Sharon Souza

April 2, 2012

Rick and I were so sorry to learn of Barbara's death, yet we rejoice knowing she's finished her race and is safely home. Barbara was a terrific person. We know how much you will miss her. Our prayers are with your family. God bless.

Paul and Mary Jane Waters

April 2, 2012

Our prayers surround you and we weep with you as you grieve during this time of Barbara's home going. May you feel the sweet nearness of God's sustaining presence both now and in the days ahead. Even so, come Lord Jesus! We love you so much!

Audrey Trovinger Clanton

March 30, 2012

To Barbara's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Barbara and I were in the mortgage business together and she always had a sense of humor and her spirit was so uplifting. I know she will be missed but is in the arms of an angel now. God bless.

Randy & Leslie Dietz

March 30, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss.

Yourdon Family

March 30, 2012

To Barbara's Family, we are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord fill you with his peace. She is now whole and well and at peace. God Bless

Sharon Hasenfus

March 30, 2012

Dear Family, I was just listening yesterday to Heaven Sent and was thinking about Barbara, what a beautiful voice & kind heart she has. I didn't know she was singing to me from Heaven.

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