Obituary: Barbara Louise Mack

Barbara Louise Mack was born on Aug. 17, 1945, to Ben and Jane Allen in Pomona. Growing up, she worked on the family ranch and was actively involved in 4-H and raising replacement heifers. She graduated salutatorian at Montclair High School in 1963 and went on to attend California Lutheran University. Barbara spent a semester in Mexico and became fluent in Spanish. She began her 40-year teaching career in Ventura, but taught most of her years in Shafter for the Richland School District, teaching 6th grade to generations of Shafter students. As a teacher, she organized annual field trips to SCICON camp as well as the tide pools of Montana de Oro.

Barbara met her husband of 39 years, Lyle Mack, while teaching at Richland School District. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. For many years, Barbara sang in the church choir at St. John's Lutheran Church and was actively involved in the Shafter Women's Club and local bible studies. She enjoyed God's creation through birding trips with her sister and camping with her family. She opened her home to youth in the community, organized swim parties for her students, and hosted foreign exchange students and Junior Miss contestants. Barbara was a beloved grandmother, adoring her six grandchildren. As a lifelong Dodger fan, she attended Dodger games as often as possible. Barbara was selfless, practical, and caring. She will be remembered for her kindness and cheerfulness.

Barbara went home to Heaven on Feb. 20, 2022, and is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Jane Allen. She is survived by her husband, Lyle Mack; her children, George Gardner (Shannon), Stephen Gardner (Karen), Kathryn Bouwkamp (Nico), and David Mack (Angie); grandchildren Mia Louise Gardner, Mateo, Elliott, and Carsten Bouwkamp, and Sandy and Janie Mack; and siblings Sylvia Henry, Bennie Allen (Mary), and George Allen (Marie).

A viewing will take place at Peter's Funeral Home in Shafter on Friday, Feb. 25, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bakersfield, 4500 Buena Vista Road, with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Saint John's Lutheran Church, Saint John's Lutheran-sponsored school Anganza Lutheran in Tanzania, or Shafter Community Chest.