Mildred G. Barnard's Obituary
Mildred considered herself a Missourian through and through, even though her family left Missouri to come to California when she was 13 years old. She was 1 of 5 children. She met Vern Williamson soon after moving here, and they were married in 1946, after his service in the Army during World War II. They had 3 children lovingly called Donnie, Sissie and Terry, who were tragically lost in a house fire here in Escondido in 1950.
The couple started a second family in 1952 with Gary’s birth, Roberta in 1955, and Greg in 1959.
Mildred was a very dedicated mother and wife. She was very active in family activities. She helped in Vern’s business doing office work, and she accompanied him with family to car races when Vern owned a modified and sprint racing car. Mildred bowled over 60 years, until she retired at age 90. She was a junior coach when the kids were in junior bowling leagues. She was an avid camper, going to the Colorado River, camping in the desert and at local campgrounds. Mildred loved Christmas and always had decorations in her home and in her yard every year, just in time for the Annual Christmas Eve family dinner.
She was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan and would catch a game whenever she was able. She also collected Cardinal memorabilia.
Mildred was baptized in 1941 at the Escondido Church of Christ. She was a member at the Church of Christ on Seventh and Orange Streets, and later came to the Oak Hill Church of Christ, before the new building was built. She has been somewhat homebound in recent years but enjoyed seeing the Sunday sermons online.
Mildred married Ken Barnard after she and Vern divorced. Son Gary married Mona on 7-7-07. Roberta and husband Mike Cultrera have 2 children: Michael has 2 daughters Anabella (10) and Kaleena (7-1/2), and Michele and husband Brian Wong have Michaela (4).
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Oval, Mabel, Albert and Jim. Also deceased are husbands Vern and Ken, and children Donnie, Sissie Terry and Gary. Mildred’s 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters and several other family members were able to visit her recently before she passed. She also celebrated her 95th birthday!
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