Christiane Marie Louis Barker

Christiane Barker, 87, beloved mother, grand and great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 19, 2022. She was surrounded by her children and was close in the hearts of many others who loved and prayed for her.

Christiane was born on September 16, 1935, in Void, France. The second eldest of four siblings, she is survived by her brothers, Marcel and Jean Louis, and sister, Josette Degano, all residing in France.

Christiane was only ten years old when, in 1945, the second world war terrorized her country and village. She witnessed the realities of war at a very tender age; at that time, she also lost her beloved mother. At age twelve--to help support her family--Christiane went to work at a shirt factory where she pressed freshly made men’s shirts. It was a ten-mile bike ride, to and from her factory job. Although enduring many hardships, her family, and their close-knit community celebrated life. Every Saturday, the village held a dance where Christiane loved to gather with her friends, laugh, and dance the polka!

Christiane met and fell in love with Chester Barker, an American serving in the USAir Force. They married in France in 1955. Moving to California, the new bride revealed an innate indomitable and brave spirit when she flew all alone to America, while her husband finished his tour of duty in Europe. Christiane had never been on an airplane, nor was able to speak English! The singular fortitude she displayed from a very young age was a trait that remained evident throughout her entire life.

Christiane and Chester (deceased 2021) raised a beautiful family of five wonderful children: Carol (deceased 2017), Francine (Dave) Stanley, LaCrosse, WA; Debbie (Spike) Teal, Walla Walla; Alain Barker, Walla Walla, and Annette (Jeff) Reister, Woodburn, OR. Their ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren affectionately called her “Grand-mére.” Christiane and her husband led lives centered around their faith, raising their children in a Christ-centered home. She was a longtime member of the First Assembly of God Church.

A genuine "French chef," Christiane introduced her native cuisine to family and friends, loving to cook and bake. Her delicious French dishes included Poulet au Vin, tomato vinaigrette, amazing desserts such as the traditional (and artistic) Christmas treat, Bouche de Noel. These delectables were greatly enjoyed by all! Christiane also quickly learned how to master American dishes, adding a dash of French flavor, and baked the World's Best Apple Pie!

In 1973, after her children were in school, Christiane went to work as a chef at Whitman College for 27 years. She was sweetly regarded as “the little French mom” by many of the students. As she served their meals, she would also speak French with students who were learning her native language. Bon Appetit! Christiane's commitment to her many roles in life was empowered by her overflowing heart of love for everyone. Her twinkling eyes and endearing accent were "frosting on the cake" for those who had the pleasure--and privilege--to know her.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM continuing Monday, November 14, 2022, from 8:00 - 11:00 AM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St., Walla Walla. Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens cemetery, 300 SE Myra Rd., in College Place. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, 1919 Fern Ave, at 2:00 PM, immediately following the graveside service.

Her family asks that memorial contributions be made in Christiane’s honor, to Alzheimer’s research through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA  99362.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com .