Barbara Joy Wikoff

Barbara Joy Wikoff, age 82 years,  of Central Point, Oregon passed Thursday, December 17, 2020 in her home. She was born in Malin, Oregon on February 7, 1938 and raised on the Jacobson family farm in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Barbara met her husband John Wikoff Jr. while their families attended First Christian Church in Klamath Falls. John was also friends with her brother Robert. Barbara was the maid of honor in her sister Margaret’s wedding, and John was the best man. Barbara loved to tell others, “I married the best man.” John was three months younger than Barbara and he fondly joked that he married an older woman. The happy couple married on June 20, 1964 and built a beautiful life together for thirty-eight years.

In 1964, Barbara graduated from Oregon State University with a Home Economics Degree. She taught high school in Chiloquin and Prineville. She took a break from teaching while raising her two children, John Wikoff III and Diane Mons (Wikoff). During this time, she did some substitute teaching and became a full-time florist. Barbara loved this job and took great pride in her arrangements.

Besides floral arranging, Barbara was an avid gardener that grew many flowers for her floral design projects. Sewing was another passion for her. She sewed beautiful clothing and blankets for herself and family. Barbara’s creativity and artistic endeavors are seen throughout her home, including paintings, cross-stitch, ceramics, knitting, and crafting. Her favorite color was pink and it was generously sprinkled throughout her projects and her home where she often hosted family events. She set a lovely table with delicious home cooked food, and she deeply valued quality time with her family.

Barbara’s sense of adventure led her on many trips and outdoor activities with her family. She loved visiting their timeshare in Eagle Crest where they rode bikes, swam, hiked, star gazed, watched wildlife, and golfed on the putting course. Always an adventurer, she went on many trips of a lifetime. Barbara and her husband, John, went on a cruise to Alaska. She also went on cruises with her brother, Robert and her friend, Arlene to the Carribean, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Some of the countries she saw were Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Israel, and Mexico. She loved coming home and sharing her travel photos and stories with friends and family! Even after her great grandchildren were born, Barbara was always happy to go on camping trips and she never shied away from new adventures.

Another thing that brought Barbara joy was her active involvement in her church community. She was a member of Hope Christian Church in Central Point for many years. She devoted her time to VBS planning and helped make floral arrangements and decor for church events and weddings. She especially loved helping with family weddings. Above all, Barbara was known for her sweet spirit, her love of God, and her love for her family. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she went home to be with Jesus and is reunited with her husband.

Survivors include her son, John Wikoff III of Medford; daughter, Diane Mons of Myrtle Creek; brother, Robert Jacobson of ; sister, Margaret Wikoff of Eugene; she had 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Grace Jacobson, and her husband, John Wikoff Jr.