Barbara McKee STUART

STUART, Barbara McKee
Born in Placerville on November 30, 1917 weighing 2 pounds 6 ounces, Barbara was the smallest child to survive in El Dorado County at that time. Her parents were Joseph McKee and Pearl Varozza, both second generation settlers in the Gold Country. Joseph bought Placerville Hardware in 1907 and operated it for over 40 years. Her brothers, both deceased, were George W. McKee, longtime owner of the Round Tent Store and unofficial Placerville historian, and Joseph F. McKee, international engineer with Morrison Knudsen.

Having grown up spending summers at the family cabin ''Slide Inn'', Barbara developed a great love of the outdoors, and was still climbing mountains into her 70s. Growing, cooking, canning and preserving food, learned by necessity and loved by Barbara, delighted recipients of her efforts for decades. She also adored millinery work and looked fabulous in her finished products.

Her marriage in 1948 to William A. Stuart of Sacramento led to many adventures as a military wife, adapting to and loving such diverse postings as San Bernardino, Newfoundland and Taiwan. Upon Bill's retirement in 1966 they moved to Carmichael, where she resided for 33 years. During that time she did a splendid job of raising two daughters, enjoyed volunteer work and early morning five-mile walks on the American River bike trail.

Barbara died in Alamo, CA on 10/10/10 at 0101. She gave much to many, took every opportunity that life had to offer and the sound of her laughter will ring for eternity.

Pre-deceased by her husband and daughter Leslie S. Preston of Monrovia, CA. Survived by daughter Alison Stuart of Oakland; grandson William Preston of Boston, MA; nephew David McKee of Madison, WI; niece Sally Tollette, and nephews, Michael and Steven Stuart, all of Sacramento.

''I'll sleep when I'm dead'' Mom always said. Thanks for the memories and rest in peace Barbara McKee Stuart.

Private interment at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento.