Memorials › Barbara Anne “Barbie” Nickels Ekstrand

Barbara Anne “Barbie” Nickels Ekstrand

9 Feb 1938 – 18 Dec 2007

Birth9 Feb 1938
Death18 Dec 2007
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29065916

Bio

Barbara Anne Nickles, was the 1st born child to Ben & Leona Nickels. She grew up in Chino Ca, and graduated CHS in 1956. Barbara married Bernie Ekstrand on 1/19/57, in Pomona Ca. Together they had 4 children Debbie, Brenda, Brian & Linda. During this time of also raising kids, Barbara began cosmotology classes, and gradauted at the top of her class. Barbara owned & operated "Barbies Custom Hair Design" and was known thru out the community. She also assisted with Pierce Brothers Mortuary, in after care of her clients, at all hours of the night. Barbara enjoyed bowling, volleyball & softball. She and her mom Leona, were team mates on "BIOYA" for years, burning up the bowling lanes. Earlier on, she also worked at the "Red Clock Tower" for lost children, at the LA County Fairgrounds. Girl Scout Leader, Team Mom, Business Owner, PTA President, so many talents and still time to raise a family. Barbara and Bernie were married for 49 years and 7 days, her beloved husband (that she cared for during his illness an stood by)crossed over on 1-22-06. Then on 10-10-06, her only son Brian, crossed over. Her parents crossed over Ben (12-25-86) and Leona (8-11-02), and once again showed her strength to us all, trimming their hair for their celestial adventure. Barbara was diagnosed 14 years previously with Parkinsons disease and continued to work and run her beauty shop, unitl she could no longer hold scissors to "create & design" coffieurs. Then on 11-05-06, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, our mother never smoked or consumed alcohol. She had a radical masectomy on 12-5-06, and continued to have her own sense of humor during this time. The surgeons at 1st, thought they had secured and removed all the cancer, but she began Chemo in early 07. Our mom- our strength- our rock- our angel, crossed over in the early morning of December 18th, 2007 at home.She is survived by Debbie (Matt) Gilb, Brenda (Bill)Ekstrand-Rauch and Linda (Bubba) Rhoades. Barbara leaves a legacy also of grandchildren Nicole (Al) Boza, Melissa (Joe) Minisquero, Allison & Hannah Gilb, Ariel and Hunter Rhoades.Also her blessings of Great Grandchildren Melee Anne & Benjamin Boza. 2 stepgrandkids Brandon & Beau Rauch, and several nieces & nephews who regarded her as "Auntie Barbara" and "mom". The day Debbie, Brenda & Linda went to make arrangements, as we left with our familes, we looked up to the right and there flew 8 white doves heading north, a sign mom wanted us to know, she & dad were ok and together... Barbara was cremated and placed with her husband Bernie per their wishes & given to their 3 daughters, to release to the earth & wind, and carry them together on a new journey.. Our mom will always be fondly remembered for her Love of Life, Her contagious Laughter and her Devotion to her family...and her Smile.....

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