Linda Barber

June 11, 1940 -

June 5, 2020

Linda Lorraine Barber, 79, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Linda was born in Polson, Mont., to Clarice and Lloyd McAllister. As the oldest of six children raised on a ranch, her upbringing shaped her to be tough, adventurous, nurturing and resilient.

Linda was a lifelong mother at heart, attended the University of Montana, was a caring teacher and had a 28-year career with the Social Security Administration.

She married Arnold "Rusty" McConnell in 1955 and raised her first four children with him. When Rusty passed unexpectedly in 1972, Linda's strength and dedication to her children saw her through. In 1976 she married Richard "Dick" Barber and they moved to Venetie, Alaska, in 1977. She raised her two youngest children with Dick and retired to Kasilof, Alaska, where she embraced her love for the outdoors, family and friends.

Linda enjoyed adventuring and making things with her own two hands. You could often find her camping, fishing, sewing, cooking and crafting. What she loved most was spending time with her family and dear friends, never missing an opportunity to feed people or stir up some fun.

Linda was preceded in death by husband, Rusty McConnell; husband, Dick Barber; son-in-law, Glenn West; daughter-in-law, Elsie McConnell; parents, Clarice and Lloyd McAllister; and brothers, Vic, Danny and Chip McAllister

Linda is survived by children, Deb West, Mike McConnell, Barb (Art) Caballero, Mitch (June) McConnell, Brandi Barber and Megan Palagyi; sisters, Sharon (Bruce) Simpson, Cindy McAllister-St. Clair; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Some of Linda's ashes will be taken to the Kasilof River and later she will be laid to rest at the cemetery in Polson with her family.

Please visit beautifultribute.com/linda-barber/ for photos and more information.

The family of Linda Barber wishes to thank Iluminada's Assisted Living Home II, Care Coordinators of Alaska and Providence Hospice.