Leslie Ann Guardipee Barkell

Leslie was born in Pocatello to her parents George and Annie Guardipee. She was the oldest of 5 children, with 3 brothers and 1 sister: Steve (Lois) Guardipee, Mark (Tracy) Guardipee, George (Sherry) Guardipee, and Stacy (Grant) Anderson.

She grew up in Pocatello, and attended Lewis & Clark Elementary, Alameda Middle School, and graduated with the class of 1965 from Highland High School. After high school, she attended cosmetology school.

When she was done with school, Leslie me the love of her life, Larry Barkell. They married on February 16, 1968, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Pocatello. That following October, they had the first of their 4 children. Ultimately, they were blessed with 2 daughters and 2 sons: Annete Muser, Ryan (Kelly) Barkell, Tiffany Barkell, and Lee Barkell.

Larry and Leslie lived all throughout Southern Idaho in their 55 years of marriage: Pocatello, Grace, Soda Springs, Boise, and Idaho City. Twenty-five years ago, they moved back to the Fort Hall Reservation to be closer to Leslie’s mom Annie.

She loved doing crafts and had many hobbies. Leslie was an amazing seamstress, and both crocheted and sewed many baby blankets and other blankets for her children, close friends, and family. She also loved to bead, cook, bake, and just spend time with her family. For many years, she enjoyed playing Bingo at the Shoshone Bannock Casino.

While living in Grace, Leslie ran a 4H program for girls, teaching them to crochet and sew. The girls she taught even won many blue ribbons at the fair.

Leslie was loved by all she crossed paths with. She especially loved babies and children, and even if they were a “stranger”, she would take a baby in and love them like they were her own. She will be missed by many, but we’ve all got the memories she made with us throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Annie Guardipee, her brother Steve Guardipee, nephew Justin Guardipee, a great granddaughter, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In addition to her children, Leslie is survived by 9 grandchildren: Breana, Hunter, Kodiak, Meadow, Elijah, Vada, Gunner, Timber, and Blake; and 12 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the home of Larry and Leslie Barkell, 64 S. Siler Road, Pocatello, Idaho 83202.

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