October 14,1936-July 25, 2024 EAGLE, CO-Barbara Heninger Spiker died on July 25 2024 in Eagle, Colorado. She was born in Greeley, Colorado on October 14, 1936, daughter of Wesley and Ruth King. Her brother, Robert, was 10 years older and her mentor.
Barbara was an accomplished pianist. She graduated in 1954 from Greeley High School and managed to give the small town of Greeley a national image when she appeared in the June 14,1954 issue of Life Magazine. The seven-page article “Teen Agers Going Steady'' featured a story about Barbara and her high school boyfriend.
While attending the University of Colorado, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta and a cheerleader for the Buffs. She graduated in 1958 with the award of Phi Beta Kappa, a bit of a “surprise" to her. Barbara married Ralph Huntress Heninger in 1958 and lived in Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa for over 30 years raising their four children.
She was active in the Bettendorf schools advisory committees, President of Junior Symphony Board, member of the Senior Symphony Board, PEO, Campfire Girls Board of Directors, Tri City Garden Club, Tuesday Club, and First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School. She enjoyed being a River City Host, welcoming passengers from the river boats that docked in the Quad Cities. She fondly recalled wonderful lunches on the Delta Queen and guiding guests on tours.
When the new Adler Theater was built in Davenport, she was on the board of the River Center For Performing Arts. She was fortunate to take several trips to New York City to the American Association Of Performing Arts Presenters Conventions where she previewed and booked entertainment. She had a brief real estate sales career.
In 1996, Barbara married Jim Spiker and they soon moved to the Vail Valley, settling in Edwards, CO. They enjoyed skiing, biking, and hiking with Vail Club 50. She and Jim volunteered at the Vail Valley Hospital and were members of Eagle River Presbyterian Church, Chaine-des Rotisseurs, and Sonnenalp Golf Club.
Barbara also served on the advisory committee for Castle Peak Care Center in Eagle. Jim and Barbara traveled the world, (including one around the world trip). Many of their trips included their children, as “family" was at the center of their lives.
Family reunions mattered, and were held in Colorado, Michigan, and Mexico for their 6 kids and spouses and 14 grandchildren. Barb and Jim lived in Edwards overlooking the Eagle River, with beautiful views of Game Creek Bowl in Vail out their bedroom window. Barbara is survived by her children, Ralph Wesley Heninger (Gail Heninger), John Heninger (Nina Deconcini), Susan Kohli Horton (Dave Horton), and Elizabeth Heninger.
Grandchildren are Jacob (Angie) Heninger, Emily Heninger (Luther) Wirtz, Massimo (Stephanie) Heninger, Julian Heninger, Kyle Kohli, Lauren Kohli (Daniel) Posada, Luke (M'Lynn) Kohli, Caleb Chicoine, and Camille Chicoine. Great-Grandchildren are: Emmalyn Heninger, Mia Heninger, Elias Kohli, and Flora Wirtz. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Eagle River Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.
m., on Thursday, August 1,2024 followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation, Vail Christian High School, or Friends of Vail Mountain Rescue.
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