Community activist Barbara Lucas passes

Barbara Lucas, a cherished friend to many, was a beloved mother, grandmother and aunt, playing an integral part in the community. After a lifetime of joy and happiness, she passed away peace-fully on June 10.

She was born in Turlock, on Oct. 24, 1933, to Jeptha Ivan Stone and Rowena Matthews Stone. After living in Marysville for a short time, the family found their way to Shafter.

In 1954 she married Edwin Lucas of Wasco and moved with him there, where she lived for the rest of her life.

At 16, she began a 70-year career as a bookkeeper, holding many positions with Fred West and Associates, Tops Market, Lost Hills Chevron and Wasco Realty.

Two years after her marriage, in 1956, their first son David was born, and then in 1958, her son Dale completed a family of four she loved dearly.

Her greatest love, however, was her grandchildren.

"Her true passion was her grandchildren. She would take them to movies, buy the latest best-selling children's books, babysit, help with college expenses and take them to special shows in Bakersfield, as well as too many special things to note," David said.

He said her goal, which she accomplished in 2003, was to take her two sons' families on a New Year's trip week to New York City, running around Manhattan and taking in a few Broadway plays.

"It was the vacation of a lifetime, and she loved that she could accomplish it."

Barbara had many hobbies, especially photographing and videotaping athletic events, weddings and quinceaneras. It gave her much satisfaction to help capture those special memories for the families she served for 50-plus years.

"Her family pictures were countless. She never met a person she wouldn't take pictures for," Da-vid said.

Starting in 1970, she would attend her sons' athletic events, taking pictures and videotaping games, which led to her continuing to do the same for many athletes passing through Wasco High School and other high schools in Kern County.

Barbara was also a loyal member of the Community Scholarship Association committee as treas-urer, supported the Wasco Historical Society as treasurer and was a former Grand Marshal of the Wasco Rose Festival.

For her contributions to the community, she was honored with several recognitions, including being named a Paul Harris Fellow from the Wasco Rotary Club, inducted into the Wasco High School Athletic Hall of Fame for her contributions to the school's athletics programs and cele-brated by the Kern Council of Governments.

Barbara was a woman of deep faith and attended several churches in Wasco, ending up as part of the congregation of Grace Community Church.

"She would attend church every Sunday if she didn't have to work. She was a Christian and en-joyed going to church," David said.

Barbara had a kind heart.

She would visit her mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer's, every day at the convalescent home for many years, driving to Shafter and doing that with several others.

"Mom was very likable. She was outgoing and would do anything for anyone. She was a giver," David said.

She instilled in her sons the value of hard work, compassion and honesty.

"I became a teacher at WHS for 30 years and three at Thomas Jefferson. I taught English and coached girls basketball, track and baseball."

Her other son, Dale, worked for PG&E and eventually moved on to an administrative position with the company.

"She was that type of person that wanted to be involved. Knowing mom, she would thank the community of Wasco and surrounding areas, as well, for allowing her to be a part of them in so many ways," David said.