Linda Lorraine Barber

Linda Lorraine Barber, 79, passed away peacefully June 5, 2020 in Anchorage, Alaska. Linda was born in Polson, Montana to Clarice & Lloyd McAllister. As the oldest of six children raised on a ranch, her upbringing shaped her to be tough, adventurous, nurturing, & resilient. Linda was a lifelong mother at heart, attended the University of Montana, was a caring teacher, and had a 28 year career with the Social Security Administration. She married Arnold "Rusty" McConnell in 1955 and raised her first 4 children with him. When Rusty passed unexpectedly in 1972, Lindas strength and dedication to her children saw her through. In 1976 she married Richard "Dick" Barber and they moved to Venetie, Alaska in 1977. She raised her two youngest children with Dick and retired to Kasilof, AK where she embraced her love for the outdoors, family, and friends. Linda enjoyed adventuring and making things with her own two hands. You could often find her camping, fishing, sewing, cooking, and crafting. What she loved most was spending time with her family and dear friends, never missing an opportunity to feed people or stir up some fun. Linda was preceded in death by her husband Rusty McConnell, her husband Dick Barber; son-in-law, Glenn West; daughter-in-law, Elsie McConnell; her parents Clarice & Lloyd McAllister; and brothers Vic, Danny & Chip McAllister. Linda is survived by her children Deb West, Mike McConnell, Barb (Art) Caballero, Mitch (June) McConnell, Brandi Barber, & Megan Palagyi; sisters Sharon (Bruce) Simpson, Cindy McAllister-St. Clair; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, & many nieces and nephews. Some of Lindas ashes will be taken to the Kasilof River and later she will be laid to rest at the cemetery in Polson, MT with her family. Please visit https://beautifultribute.com/linda-barber/ for photos and more information. The family of Linda Barber wishes to thank Iluminadas Assisted Living Home II, Care Coordinators of Alaska, & Providence Hospice.