Barbara A. Wilcox

Barbara A. Wilcox (Bakke), 89, passed away in her home on May 7, 2025.

Born in Gainesville, Texas, her family moved to Grand Junction when she was just 17, where she attended GJHS. Her father opened the first TV repair shop. They brought with them the first TV to Grand Junction, CO.

Barbara worked from grade school until her retirement later in life. While employed, she attended classes at Mesa State College. At the age of 19, Barbara moved to Denver, Colorado, where she got married and gave birth to her only son, Robert Wilcox. She was divorced by the time she turned 23.

Two years after Barbara lived in Rifle, she worked at a dental lab and met the love of her life, Wayne Wilcox. Barbara and Wayne married in 1961 and remained married for 47 years! They had a good life. They even started their dental lab here in the Grand Valley. After Wayne passed, Barbara met William Bakke at the old age center. They fell for each other and married a year later. They were married for 10 years when Bill passed.

Barbara had a love for gardening, fishing, and hunting, as well as playing Bingo and Poker! (She was a shark at the poker tables.) She loved anything to do with water and has requested her ashes be spread over a body of water.

At her request, there will be no funeral services, and any contributions you wish to make can be made to your favorite charity in her name. Barbara is survived by her son Robert Wilcox, brother Robert Leach, and many nieces and nephews. She was truly an amazing woman and will be missed by all who knew her. Thank you, Barbara, for your impact on our lives. Be at peace until we meet again.