After keeping the faith, fighting the good fight, and finishing the race, on March 4, 2026, Barbara Louise Pike, 75, breathed her final breath, was taken from her earthly home to be with her loving Savior Jesus, and found the peace and rest in her heavenly home that she has longed for.
Barbara was born Jan. 27, 1951, to Carl and Alice (de la Motte) Ripke in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was brought into God's family through the waters of Holy Baptism on Feb. 25, 1951, and welcomed to His Table through confirmation on May 30, 1965. She continued to grow in faith as she attended Emmanuel Lutheran School and Concordia High School, both in Fort Wayne.
Stepping out in faith, she enrolled in Concordia Teacher's College in Seward. While there, her older brother, Jerry, introduced her to one of his best friends, Richard Pike. Barbara and Rick were married on Dec. 30, 1972
Barbara used her God-given talents while being employed at Cargill, Seward Memorial Hospital, Concordia University-Seward and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also served as a Seward City Council member, as a docent for the International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln and participated in the Kiwanis.
She especially enjoyed quilting, reading, and traveling with her husband, Rick. She was active in numerous church groups and activities. But what most clearly defined her essence was her Christian faith as demonstrated by her regular church worship, frequently spending time as a prayer warrior, and daily reading her Bible and her devotional booklet Portals of Prayer.
Surviving with her husband, Rick, are her children, Brian Pike (Anita) of Lafayette, Indiana, and Stephen Pike (Kenlee Valleskey) of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Barbara is survived by her siblings, Mark Ripke (Judy), and Phil Ripke (Susan). Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Alice Ripke; and siblings, Jerry Ripke and David Ripke.
Memorials can be sent to: Park County Public Library Foundation, https://servewyoming.org/donate/; Christ the King Lutheran Church, https://www.ctkcody.org/home; Concordia High School, https://www.clhscadets.com/apps/pages/donate; or Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, https://www.onelfs.org/donate/
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Cody, Wyoming.
Arrangements by Ballard Funeral Home, Cody, Wyoming.
