Barbara Kay Archer

Barbara was born on August 13, 1952 to Wilma "Bille" and Melvin Thompson, affectionately known as Barbie to those who she was close with. She was the 6th of 7 children. She graduated from Bryan High in 1970 where she was an honor student, cheerleader, and formed lifelong friendships. She went on to work for her older brothers' plumbing companies where she discovered her love of working with numbers. She started working at Creighton University in 1988 in the finance department until retiring in 2016 after almost 30 years of service. She raised 2 children, Jason born in 1972 and Julie born in 1976, as a single parent. She always kept them engaged in activities and involved in the local community including 4-H, Emmy Gifford Children's Theater, Omaha Royals' games and library events. She especially loved celebrating Halloween and made incredible homemade costumes.

It was through her employment at Creighton and the August Birthdays crew that she met the love of her life, Gary Archer who she married in 1996, also gaining 3 step-children: James, Matthew, and Jacob. A passion throughout Barbie's life was crafts of all sorts, and she became an excellent quilter. She always wanted to travel, and she was able to see so much in her time. With her husband and often other family members by her side, she visited 40 of the 50 states, as well as multiple cruises including a 10 day cruise through the Panama Canal. As a season ticket holder to both Creighton Women's Volleyball and Omaha Performing Arts as well as a long-time pass holder at Lauritzen Gardens and the Henry Doorly Zoo, she enjoyed being out and about at all kind of sporting events, community events, or shows and was always inviting people to share in it with her. One of the greatest joys of the last 27 years of her life was being a grandma. At the time of her passing she had 13 grandchild and 5 great grandchildren. She passed away in Lincoln, NE on June 24, 2023 leaving a great void in many lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilma “Billie” and Melvin; siblings, Joyce and Melvin; and grandson, Joseph. She is survived by her husband, Gary; children, Jason, Julie (Mike), James (Maria), Matthew (April), and Jacob (Hannah); 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jerry (Bonnie), Jan (Dean), Jim (Cindy), and Kathy (Rob); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.