Garnet Gay Barker's Obituary
Garnet Gay Barker passed away in the comfort of her own home on December 2nd, 2022. Garnet was 84 years old. She was born to Howard and Peggy Knutson in Bellingham, WA on July 14th, 1938. Garnet was the oldest of three children. As a young girl she led a circle of ponies for the children at the Vacation Bible School of a local church to encourage other neighborhood children to attend as well. During her high school years, she participated in the “What-a-sho committee”, the Rainbow Girls, Glee club, the bowling team, was on the club counsel, and the editorial staff for the school paper. Because of her faith in Jesus, she attended Multnomah School of the Bible. Garnet married Robert Todhunter and they had three boys together. She would often can food and she helped on their small family farm as needed. Garnet worked for the Peninsula school district in the accounts payable department for 15 years and then for the Tacoma School district, which is where she took an early retirement to care for her late husband Ted who she was devoted to. In the years they had together she enjoyed traveling and going to plays. Garnet was preceded in death by her husband Theodore Barker (Ted), brother Howard Knutson (Buddy), Granddaughter Amanda Todhunter, and daughter-in-law Mara Todhunter. She reconnected with her childhood friend Marvin Whitney, who became her care provider and sweetheart for the last 14 years. She is survived by her three sons Robert Todhunter of Tacoma, Chris Todhunter (Marion) of Gig Harbor, and Timothy Todhunter (Laurie) of Tacoma. She is also survived by multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren who she adored. Her wishes were that donations be given to the Salvation Army in her memory.
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