Lillie Marie Barger passed away peacefully at her home in Orofino, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 89.
Lillie was born to Hazel M. and Ralph H. Taylor on July 19, 1934, in Council, Idaho. Six years later she welcomed her baby brother Ralph B. Taylor. She spent her childhood in Council. Later her family moved to Orofino where Lillie graduated high school.
She married the love her life, Lester L. Barger, in 1952 in Orofino. Together they welcomed three children into the world; Dale A., Linda K. and James R. They raised their family at their family home on Whiskey Creek where Lillie lived until she passed.
Lillie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child started elementary school. She then went to work for Joint School District No. 171 as a kitchen aide and then worked her way up to kitchen manager. She worked until her last grandchild made it through elementary school and then retired in 2000.
She spent her free time crocheting, sewing, cooking meals and entertaining family and friends, and always was able to throw a meal together in a matter of minutes if everyone decided to show up at her house with no notice. She made hand-sewn quilts for all of her grandchildren and was almost able to complete them for her great-grandchildren before her passing. She was also a member of the Clearwater Valley Amateur Radio Club, Ladies Auxiliary Club, Rebekah’s and Peck Women’s Club for many years.
Lillie will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and love she had for her family and friends.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents Hazel and Ralph “Tuffy” Taylor, her husband Lester “Les” Barger, her brother Ralph “Bud” Taylor, and her daughter Linda Engle.
She is survived by her sons Dale Barger and Jim Barger as well as grandchildren Jennifer (Travis) Thom, Brian (Maegan) Lathrop, Chris Barger, Eric (Olivia) Barger and Chelsea (Bert) Spence. Her great-grandchildren: Brinley and Ashton Lathrop, Lucas, Jonah, and Brooke Thom, Kaylynn Barger and Penelope and Heston Haight, and Reid, Hailey and Teagan Spence. Her niece Rhonda Trail and grandniece Kylie Trail as well as Kylie’s daughter Athena and extended family.
Graveside service at 2 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Orofino Cemetery. A celebration of life to follow at Lillie’s home. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
