Barbara Walker

Barbara Walker, beloved wife, mother, amatxi, sister, aunt, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, after a three year battle with cancer, in her hometown of Bakersfield, California, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born to Thomas and Beverley Echenique, Barbara lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She was a proud lifetime member and actively involved in the Kern County Basque Club, where she celebrated her Basque heritage with deep pride and lifelong friendships.

Barbara attended OLPH, Garces Memorial High School, and Bakersfield College. It was at BC in 1967 where she met the love of her life, Dennis Walker. They married two years later and built a beautiful life together, raising three children and becoming proud grandparents to six active grandchildren. Barbara worked as the athletic director's secretary in KHSD for 20+ years.

Barbara had an infectious smile and a joyful laugh that warmed every heart she encountered. A passionate sports fan, she rarely missed a game-especially when her children or grandchildren were on the field. She cherished holidays, traditions, and time spent with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Beverley Echenique; cousins Nancy Ansolabehere and Don Nikkel; uncles John {Ann) and Louis Echenique; and aunt June (Jack) Nikkel.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dennis; children Kristy (Todd), Brian (Nikki), and Eric (Stacie); and her six treasured grandchildren: Makenzie, Colton, Presly, Kadyn, Avry, and Carson. She is also survived by her brother Thomas Echenique Jr. (Debbie), and cousins Helen Echenique, Marie Cuello (Jose), and Betsy Hauck; as well as many nieces and nephews, and many friends, all of whom she loved deeply.

Services will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Francis Parish in Bakersfield. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Trevor D. Williams, PA-C, and the nurses who cared for Barbara at Mercy Southwest and Hoffmann House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to the Kern County Basque Club, P.O. Box 416, Bakersfield, CA 93302, Hoffmann Hospice, or a charity of your choice.