Barbara Gail Carpenter

Barbara Gail Carpenter went to be with the Lord on Saturday 9/06/2014. With family present, she died in her home in Windsor CA , at the age of 78, after a two and a half year battle with breast cancer. Barbara was born to Edgar and Mabel Owen (predeceased) on 3/15/1936 in Los Angeles, CA. Her parents and sister (Gloria Owen, predeceased) had recently moved from Indiana and settled into the small town of Herman, CA. The community and the family were of strong Christian belief, which would continue to grow and sustain her throughout her life. With the church always a strong presence, Barbara grew, graduated from High School, and won a Miss Burbank Contest in her teens. She began working for the phone company at the age of 16, as a cord board telephone operator. This would be the career that she would continue, with a break for motherhood, until retirement. In the late 50's she married Conrad W. Carpenter (predeceased). Together they relocated to Northern California. Barbara is survived by her children Robin, Leisha Davenport and Conrad Carpenter Jr. She loved being a mother and gave her children exposure to as much of the world as she could. She continued to live in the bay area (South San Francisco, San Bruno, Woodside, Cupertino), working, attending church, and volunteering for the 700 club for a time. In the late 90's they relocated to Santa Rosa, CA to be nearer to family. She would have her first brush with breast cancer during this time. After her husband's death in 2002, Barbara primarily lived and traveled in their RV. This would prove to be quite an adventure for her. She loved to hear people's stories and to share her own. She made good friends over these years and touched many lives. She loved nature and animals and adopted her beloved shnauzer, Teddy. She and Teddy remained inseparable. Second only to her love of the Bible was her love of music and singing. Wherever she was, she found opportunities for enjoying music and singing with others. Most important of all was the great joy she took in seeing the ways in which God guided her footsteps. She gave credit to God for all things and stood in awe as she watched him direct her path. She is additionally survived by her 4 grandchildren; Shayla Wilson, Travis Davenport, Glen, and Preston; and her 3 great-grandchildren Tessie Wilson, Braxton, and Riley; and her beloved dog, Teddy. Visitation: Tuesday 9/16/2014 5-8pm, Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel, 4321 Hwy12 Santa Rosa, CA. Private Burial: 9/17/2014. Memorial: Saturday 9/20/2014 at 2pm at Vineyard of Faith, 167 Arata Ln Windsor, CA