Barbara "Barbie" Jean Purkey

Longtime Meeker resident, Barbara Jean “Barbie” (Lyke) Purkey passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Meeker on December 27, 2023. She was 61. A celebration of Barbie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Church of Christ, 904 3rd Street in Meeker.

Barbara Jean Lyke was born the daughter of Mickey and Janet (Richardson) Lyke on August 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 Ft. 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 & 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 November 26, 1982. The family continued to move around until Carl was killed in a plane crash on November 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 awhile, Barbie and Jay were married on September 19, 1987. The couple began building a home where Barbie would live in the rest of her life (hand-nailing the entire home) in 1988. On February 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 past times was hanging out on her 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 Avenue, Craig, Colorado 81625.