April 16, 1938 - November 15, 2023
Barbara Ann Wilkes Obituary She loved belting out "These Boots Are Made For Walking" with her long hair, short skirts, and high boots. Barbara Ann "DeAnne" Atkins-Ritchie-Shockley-Weilekes-Wilkes, born on April 16th, 1938, in Spokane, WA, suddenly but peacefully went to heaven on November 15th, 2023 in Spokane, WA, after facing some health challenges over the past year. Born to Kathryn (Terry) Atkins and Arthur Atkins, Barbara's life journey was marked by resilience, love, and a passion for music.� After her parents' separation at 16 months old, Barbara lived with her mother and grandparents, Jack Terry and Ethel Lindsay until age 11. Her mother worked for the Air Force at Fort George Wright and Fairchild, becoming the Supervisor of Base Supply. Her grandfather, Jack Terry, was a supervisor in the Billing Department of Washington Water Power. Barbara took lessons in tap, drama, accordion, and singing; sparking a lifelong passion for performance at the age of 6. Her education started at Finch, Washington, and Irving grade schools, and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1956. Barbara actively participated in the Children's Theatre, Choir, and the 3C's Christian Club, and was a Ti-Girl.� Barbara was baptized and joined Emmanual Presbyterian Church when she was 14. She used to go there with her grandmother, Anna Atkins. Her Dad and Aunt, Avis Brown, used to attend there when little and Avis played piano at many functions. She taught Sunday School, played her guitar and sang with the children, was an Elder for a short time, then a Deacon for 4 years and was Moderator of the Deacons for a one-year term. She cherished her Aunt Agnes (Terry) Wicks, her daughter Kay (Elliott) Emms, and their family. Barbara joined Washington Water Power Company in 1956, retiring after 36 years to devote time to family. She had roles in the Mail Room, Power Supply, General Sales, and Area Development. In 1973, she attained the esteemed position of Executive Secretary to Wendell Satre, the company's President. In 1958, she married William Ritchie who was stationed here in the Army and in Missiles at the Nike Site. He was from Elizabethton, Tennessee. On June 27, 1961, she gave birth to a handsome baby boy and named him Brian Russell Ritchie. The �Russell� was named after her stepfather, Russell Wyle, whom her Mother married in December, 1958. Russell was like a real father to her. After guidance to dissolve the marriage they remarried but was unable to make it work. After the 2nd attempt at marriage, they split ways in 1962. In 1965, she married Robert Shockley, of Tacoma, Washington who was stationed here in the Air Force. Due to strains of singing, working and having a son and family they ended their marriage although they both sought counseling, while being stationed in California for two years. When he got out of the service Barbara was playing guitar and singing with a band. She never gave up her job at the WWP as she loved working there dearly and loved all the people. She was a singer on the weekends. In 1970 a handsome bachelor who heard her sing, Ray Weilekes (later changed to Wilkes), came into her life. Little did she know the tall, dark-haired man in the audience would become the great love of her life and they married in 1971. They had 52 wonderful years of laughing, traveling, and love together in Colbert, WA. They met at the American Legion Club in Spokane, and she formed her band, Barbara DeAnne and The Followers. They played all over the PNW and recorded "Keep Your Lovelight Burning" and "Gotta Get You Back Again". She became a local celebrity and recorded in Nashville in 1972 where Elvis had recorded. They went from record company to record company, looking for a label. A small company signed her up and she and Ray were �flying� high. But the company later changed ownership and the Nashville recording of �Keep Your Lovelight Burning� and �Gotta Get You Back Again� were never released. She did get some airplay in Spokane and around Washington, Oregon, and Montana. But she never found the backing to attain success. But she found the music business very exciting and loved performing. She performed at Expo '74 in Spokane. She loved singing � she said she could pour out all of her feelings in a song. Her Mother had laid the groundwork for Barabara to feel comfortable performing on stage. Her Mom and Stepdad made several trips to Nashville themselves, trying to find a label for her songs. They always supported her 100% in whatever she attempted. She and her Mom were very close and more like sisters. Barabara adored her wonderful son, Brian. He was very intelligent, talented, friendly, caring, and loving. Tragedy struck in 1975 when her son passed away from spinal meningitis at the age of 14. She was devastated and he world crashed in all around her. But she always had a strong faith in God and knew that God pulled her through this horrible loss and her parents, Ray, friends, and co[workers at WWP helped her through this. On May 10, 1980 God presented Ray and Barbara a miracle with the birth of their daughter, Melanie Raye Wilkes. They loved this beautiful daughter with all their hearts. God�s wonderful gift of Melanie brought total happiness and fulfillment to each of them. Barbara was truly happy again. Barbara loves Melanie with all her heart. This young lady is beautiful, loving, caring, sensitive, intelligent, friendly, and blessed with many talents. And then on April 11, 2001 Barbara�s first grandchild, blessed and beautiful Sophia, was born. Barbara was ecstatic. She�s always adored children and looked so forward to babysitting for Melanie as she resumes part-time work and going back to school. And then wonderful, handsome Liam was born July 29, 2008 and then beautiful, loving Josephine was born February 6, 2014. Barbara loves life-enjoys everything. She loves God and Jesus Christ, her family, animals, music-all kinds-singing, dancing swimming, vacationing, just being with her family and friends, performing music, loved being a secretary at WWP, the ocean, Hawaii, going to Disney land and Disneyworld, writing, reading, picnics, going to church, playing with children and especially her own children and grandchildren. "Barbara wants to thank each of you for your many kindnesses to her and your love. She feels she led a full life - God blessed her in so many, many ways. Her biggest sadness is leaving her daughter, grandchildren, husband, family, and wonderful friends and acquaintances." She wanted to say to you, �I love each of you and I urge you to believe in God and trust Him daily. He will never let you down.� Barbara is survived by her husband, Ray Wilkes, daughter Melanie (Wilkes) Brennan (John Brennan), and three grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by many. A celebration of Barbara's life will take place in Spokane at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church at 1926 W Chelan Ave on Friday, December 8th, at 10 am, followed by a reception. Additional viewing will be held at Heritage Funeral Home at 508 N Government Way on December 7th, 2023, from 4-6 pm. The family appreciates the love and support during this difficult time. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara , please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events DEC 7 Visitation Thursday, December 7, 2023 4:00PM - 6:00PM Heritage Funeral & Cremation 508 North Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 Get Directions View Map Text Email DEC 8 Funeral Service Friday, December 8, 2023 10:00AM Emmanuel Presbyterian Church 1926 W Chelan Ave Spokane, WA 99205 Get Directions V
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