Aug. 10, 1962 ~ Dec. 27, 2023
Longtime Meeker resident, Barbara Jean “Barbie” (Lyke) Purkey passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Meeker on Dec. 27, 2023. She was 61. A celebration of Barbie’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Church of Christ, 904 3rd St. in Meeker.
Barbara Jean Lyke was born the daughter of Mickey and Janet (Richardson) Lyke on Aug. 10, 1962, in Meeker, Colorado. Shortly after her birth, Barbie’s father passed away suddenly. On July 5, 1964, her mother married Don Carroll. The family moved to Fort Collins where Barbie attended school from kindergarten to second grade. In 1971, the family returned to Meeker where Barbie would graduate with the Meeker High School class of 1980.
On June 29, 1980, Barbie and Carl Allen Stout welcomed home their son, Cameron. The couple would marry on June 18, 1981. Carl became a freight pilot and the family moved where his job needed him. While in Artesia, Barbie and Carl’s son Travis was born on Nov. 26, 1982. The family continued to move around until Carl was killed in a plane crash on Nov. 6, 1986. Barbie and her two sons returned to Meeker following Carl’s death.
While Barbie’s house was being remodeled in Meeker, she met Jay Purkey. After dating a while, Barbie and Jay were married on Sept. 19, 1987. The couple began building a home where Barbie would live for the rest of her life (hand-nailing the entire home) in 1988. On Feb. 16, 1989, Barbie and Jay welcomed home a son, Jason. Their family continued to grow with their daughter Ashley being born on July 4, 1991.
Barbie was an excellent homemaker, wife, mother, builder, meat wrapper, interior designer and master gardener to name a few. Barbie’s passion was her house design, her beautiful garden and her immaculate yard. Barbie loved traveling with her family. In 2011, she was able to go on a hunting trip to Africa with Jay. In 2018, she went on a food tour with her daughter Ashley and enjoyed her love for unique foods. One of Barbie’s favorite pastimes was hanging out on the covered deck that she and Jay built.
On April 30, 2018, Barbie was diagnosed with cancer. She fought a courageous battle until her passing. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and a large circle of friends.
Barbie is survived by her husband Jay Purkey; mother Janet Carroll; her children Cameron, Travis (Jess), Jason (Brenda) and Ashley; three sisters Sherri, Cathy and Shay; and one brother Chris. She is further survived by four granddaughters: Kenzi, Callie, Madee and Lexi.
Barbie was preceded in death by her father, step-father, first husband and various aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Barbie’s memory to the Meeker Church of Christ in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, Colorado 81625.
