Barbel Elizabeth Durrett was born in La Junta, Colorado on February 29, 1952…a leap year baby! She passed away from respiratory failure in Boise, Idaho on April 16, 2021 with her sisters and brother at her side.
Barbel spent her early life in Portland, Oregon with her parents, two sisters and two brothers. She moved several times, including Salem, Florence, and Eugene in Oregon before relocating to Idaho as a young adult. There she resided with a loving Adult Care family for a number of years before transitioning to a community group home in Meridian, Idaho where she lived until her death.
Because she was permanently disabled from birth with cerebral palsy, Barbel was always wheelchair bound. When she was about 10 years old, she was presented with the very first electric wheelchair in Oregon and quickly learned to speed around the house and neighborhood at will. She obligingly and lovingly gave “rides” to her younger siblings and later to her nieces and nephews, which she (and they) enjoyed immensely.
In spite of her physical limitations and difficulties in life, Barbel’s good humor, positive outlook, and general cheerfulness were among her best attributes. She loved to play board games, go wheelchair bowling, swimming, and participate in Special Olympics. She also spent several summers enjoying the great outdoors at Camp Easter Seal on the Oregon Coast. Barbel made her First Communion at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Portland; joined family at The Madeleine Catholic Church when in town visiting; and attended Mass at Holy Apostles Catholic Church near her home in Meridian.
Barbel had an infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a very strong spirit, all of which helped her endure her physical hardships. Most importantly, she loved people…and people loved her! She was truly an inspiration to others…family, friends, and caregivers alike.
Barbel was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne V. Durrett and Ruth I. Durrett; and her brother, Gregory W. Durrett. She is survived by her siblings, Gretchen K. Stevenson (William), Retta Rene’ Manning (Steven), and Gayland P. Durrett, plus numerous adoring nieces and nephews, as well as both great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, Oregon.
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