Karen Lee Barber

Karen Lee Call Barber, aged 81, of Rigby, Idaho, peacefully left this world on April 7, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family. She faced Corticobasal Degeneration, a form of atypical Parkinson’s disease, with remarkable grace.

Born on December 13, 1943, to Leland Call and DeLaine (Stockham) Call, Karen grew up on the Call family dairy farm on the Annis Highway in Rigby, where she learned to work hard. After graduating from Rigby High School, she pursued nursing at the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital School of Nursing, where she became a licensed Practical Nurse.

On June 9, 1967, Karen married her childhood neighbor and best friend, Charles Barber. They moved to Rockland, Idaho, for a brief time before returning to Rigby, to settle on the Call farm, where they have resided and created cherished memories since. Together, they welcomed three children: Terrent, Trent, and Tera.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served with love and dedication in various roles within the Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women’s. She loved to play the piano, garden, and work in her yard. She loved to watch baseball! As a homemaker, she took pride in creating a warm, welcoming household. She never sat still, always working on various projects around her home and yard. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Backyard barbeques and having her family gather around the table under their large maple tree brought her joy. She loved animals and never turned away a stray.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Barber, of Rigby; her sons, Terrent (Aleka) Barber and Charles “Trent” Barber, both of Rigby; her daughter, Tera (Nathan) Andrews, also of Rigby; and her five grandsons, Nick Barber, Chris (Bethany) Barber, Cole Andrews, Easton Andrews, and Ty Andrews. Also surviving her are her sister, Frieda (Gary) Egan, of Salt Lake City, Utah, her brother, Dr. Robert Call, of Roseville, California, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lola (Cleve) Swinyard.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Aspen Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care during this difficult time. They also extend their heartfelt appreciation to Karen’s lifelong best friend, Cheryl Taysom, for her unwavering love and support.

In honoring Karen’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A private celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Cremation services are under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home, with plans of her interment at Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.