Obituary of Barbara Colleen Tickner

Barbara Colleen Tickner (Colleen), 84, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 8, 2021. Colleen was born December 2, 1936 in Castleford, Idaho to Edith and Raymond Alexander. She grew up in Buhl, graduating from Buhl High School. During her high school years, she was involved in many school clubs and activities and competed as a twirler. She also made life-long friendships with a wonderful group of Buhl High School ladies who continued to meet regularly for lunch and Christmas celebrations until Covid prevented them from gathering. The bond she had with the "girls" provided her security and comfort. In 1954, Colleen married Robert (Bob) Tickner who she met at the Tastee Freeze in Buhl. They raised four rambunctious children in Twin Falls and were married 61 years until Bob's death in 2015. Their house was full of activity and a gathering place for all the neighborhood children. Ever the organizer, Colleen regularly managed to pack and cook for a young family of six plus at least one dog on camping trips to the Sawtooth Mountain in a VW camper, as well as travel to Oregon to visit relatives and the Pacific Ocean. She had the resourcefulness to manage a large household when funds were limited as Bob finished his degree in education. Colleen was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest daughter Robyn started kindergarten. Then she spent many years as a secretary at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools, keeping the schools running smoothly and handing out hugs and band-aids to countless kids. She retired in 1995 to spend more time with Bob traveling to Redfish Lake and the Oregon coast on camping trips in their trailer. During her younger years, Colleen was active in Twin Falls social and service clubs, including Jay-C-Ettes where she modeled in fashion shows; Twin Falls County Extension Club where she learned to can foods and craft; Faculty Wives organizing fund-raising teas; and Junior League. She was a Camp Fire leader for her daughter Caryl's troop, planning activities and hikes in the canyons. Colleen never missed a performance or athletic event for her children. She also belonged to both bridge and pinochle card clubs. When it was her turn to host the group of ladies, the house bustled in preparation. The kids were shuttled to bed early and Bob spent the evening out of the house visiting friend Bill Munger. Colleen was selfless, kind, and hardworking. She routinely put other's needs before her own. She was an animal lover who couldn't say no to taking in stray dogs and cats. She was an avid crafter and loved cross-stitching until her eyesight made it too difficult. Although she enjoyed knitting, her crocheting skills were unsurpassed. Her family were the enthusiastic recipients of her coveted crocheted dishcloths, hot-pads, and recently coasters. Colleen was also infamous for her homemade cinnamon rolls and popcorn balls. Her children and grandchildren participated in making them with her and eagerly awaited the finished products. She was a wonderful cook with an adventurous spirit for trying new recipes and new restaurants. Colleen lived independently and fully until her death. She enjoyed doing online sudoku and crosswords, searching for new recipes and crochet projects, and having FaceTime chats with family. Colleen was preceded in death by her husband Bob, daughter Robyn Tickner Filing, grandson Trey Tickner, parents, and brother Mick Alexander. She is survived and missed dearly by sons Terry (Carolyn), Tim (Leslie), daughter Caryl; granddaughters Allyson Schmidt (Mark Guran), Taryn Schmidt; grandsons Tyson Tickner, Sam Filing; and great granddaughters Vayda and Carmyn Guran. No services are planned. Per Colleen's wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or American Cancer Society.