Carol Marie Barker

Carol M. Barker, 61, passed away on March 21, 2017, at a Salem, Oregon, hospital, due to complications from a severe spinal cord injury suffered over forty years ago. At the time of her death, Carol was lovingly surrounded by her family. She was born in Scotia, California, on December 31, 1955, to Christiane and Chester Barker, the eldest of their five children. Carol was raised in Walla Walla, and graduated from high school in 1974. Her sledding accident occurred in 1975, but, undaunted, she returned to Whitman College, graduating in 1981.

After having taught middle school for several years, Carol moved to Salem, where she resided until her death. After earning her law degree from Willamette University, she worked for the Oregon Court of Appeals and then opened her private practice focused on the Americans With Disabilities Act. Carol was very active with her spiritual family at Salem Alliance Church. She lived her life for God and embraced every moment as His gift. She relished hot, sunny days in her backyard garden oasis.

Her most cherished gift was her beloved family who survive her—parents, Chester and Christiane; and siblings, Francine (David) Stanley, Debbie (Spike) Teal, Al Barker, and Annette (Jeff) Reister. “Tata” is also survived by 21 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and extended family from California to the Northwest to France.

The viewing will be on Sunday, March 26, from 1-5 p.m., at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home. A memorial service in Walla Walla will be April 29, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Memorial gifts to the Salem Free Clinic can be made in Carol’s name through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home. Family and Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com