Barbara J. Clarke

Barbara Jeanne Clarke, age 76, of Calhan, Colorado, passed away on May 21, 2026, from liver failure. Barbie was born on May 4, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, to Arthur Stanley Henderson and Sibyl June Waters Henderson.

Barbie was a very special, vibrant, and loving woman. She had a unique talent for making people feel loved, happy, and cherished whenever they were around her. Those who knew her best say she was the most kind-hearted, loving, patient, and nonjudgmental person they ever knew. She loved all children, animals, and everyone she met. She was lovely, happy, and sweet, and she described the things in her life that way too. She was beautiful and optimistic, with an infectious laugh and a bright smile. Barbie loved connecting with people, and she loved her family deeply and thought of them often.

Barbie earned her degree in art, and she used her great artistic talent and love of creativity throughout her life, in employment, giving gifts to loved ones, and making the world happier and more beautiful. She enjoyed painting, woodworking, quilting, journaling, teaching, and inspiring many others on their artistic journeys. She always noticed the beauty in the world around her, and she shone a light on it wherever she found it.

Barbie always spoke fondly of motherhood. She looked forward to it as a child while caring for her dolls and said the very best day of her life was the day she became a mother. Being a mother was her greatest joy. She loved the Lord and was a faithful, lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, serving the homeless and the needy in the communities where she lived. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she especially loved teaching the children in the Nursery and the Primary. She also enjoyed serving the sisters in Relief Society, including when she served as the President.

Barbie is survived by her dear husband, Brent Louis Clarke; her son, Bryce; her adopted daughter, Bree; her sister, Denise Downing; and many other family members and friends whom she loved so dearly, including James, whom she loved as a son. Barbie was preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Sibyl Henderson; her brothers, Bruce and Craig; and her stillborn son, Brandon.

Barbie leaves a legacy of gratitude, love, and service. She was an example to all who knew her of what it means to love as Christ did. Her life exemplified the words of Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

A viewing and graveside dedication will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Calhan Memorial Cemetery, 1500 Hahn Rd, Calhan, CO 80808 followed by the memorial service where we will gather to honor and share memories of Barbara at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 900 Monument St, Calhan, CO 80808. Lunch will be provided.