Barbara Burke Traister

Barbara Burke Traister, our beloved mother, aunt, and dear friend to so many, passed away peacefully at The Denver Hospice on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the age of 87.

Barbara was born on May 2, 1938, in Wabash, Indiana, the eldest of three children of Homer Frederick Zimmer and Alice Loretta Burke Zimmer. The family resided in the charming small town of Paulding, Ohio, where Barbara and her siblings were raised.

She attended school in Paulding before continuing her education at Bowling Green State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree. While at Bowling Green, Barbara was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority and The Swans synchronized swimming team, where she formed friendships that would last a lifetime.

After graduating, Barbara began her teaching career, first in Paulding and later in Dayton, Ohio. It was in Dayton that she met her future husband, Larry Paul Traister. The two were married in her hometown of Paulding on June 19, 1965.

They began their life together in Dayton and welcomed their first child, Philip, in 1967. In 1969, they headed west to Colorado, the state that would become their forever home. Later that year, in Denver, they welcomed their daughter, Laura.

In 1978, the family made their final move to Centennial, Colorado, where Barbara lived for many years and continued to live after Larry's passing in 1991. In 2025, she moved to Cherry Hills Assisted Living, where she was lovingly cared for. Her children are deeply grateful to the Cherry Hills staff and community family for the compassion and kindness they showed her in her final year.

Barbara spent most of her professional career working in sales and marketing, first with Sachs Lawlor and later with Pepperdine's, representing business stamps and signage. After many years in the industry, Barbara retired with many lasting friendships that she cherished throughout her life.

Barbara had a wide range of hobbies and interests. She loved gardening, cooking, traveling, cheering on her team The Denver Broncos, and keeping a watchful eye on neighborhood happenings. Her greatest passion, however, was antique hunting-especially searching for pieces to add to her beloved collection of copper lusterware pitchers. She took great joy in sharing both her treasured collection and the vegetables from her abundant garden with family and friends.

As a longtime widow, Barbara was strong, independent, and spirited-a true spitfire with a wonderful personality. She loved spending time with her cherished children, family, and many dear friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her brother, Peter, and his wives Jane and Beverly; her sister-in-law Sandy (Michael); and her son-in-law Douglas (Laura).

She is survived by her loving children, Philip of Centennial, Colorado, and Laura of Irving, Texas, brother Michael of Parker, Colorado, many beloved nieces, nephews, their families and many extended relatives and many friends.

Barbara will be interred with her husband, Larry, at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to The Denver Hospice for their incredible compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Barbara's memory may consider making a donation to The Denver Hospice or a charity of their choice.