This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Wheat, Zernickow, Kile Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4238/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Getz Funeral Home 19 April 2010 BARBARA KILE ZERNICKOW WHEAT, 85, of Las Cruces died at her home on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Born June 2, 1924 in Hutchinson, Kansas, Barbara Louise was the only child of Dr. Clifford Seelig Kile and Pearl "Pauline" Edie Kile. A member of Delta Gamma sorority, she graduated from the University of Kansas, with a BA in mathematics and a master's degree in Educational Psychology. She married Albert Zernickow in 1950. They moved to China Lake, California, where he was a computer specialist at the Naval Weapons Center and she was a high school counselor, psychometrist and math teacher. They enjoyed playing golf and building a cabin together in the nearby mountains. They retired to Carson City, Nevada where Albert died in 1980. They had no children. In 1991, Barbara was reunited with Dr. Joe Ben Wheat whom she had known when he was stationed in Kansas while serving in the Army during WWII. They were married March 22, 1992 and lived in Boulder, Colorado, where he was a curator emeritus of anthropology at the University of Colorado Museum. Barbara and Joe Ben traveled extensively throughout the Southwest as he continued his professional activities and research on southwestern textiles. Having been a fiber artist, educator and oral history volunteer, Barbara recognized the importance of his work. She was a moving force in the posthumous publication of his book "Blanket Weaving in the Southwest" (University of Arizona Press, 2004). She also supported and contributed to the continuing development of the Joe Ben Wheat Collection at the University of Colorado, Boulder. After his death in May, 1997, Barbara moved to Las Cruces in 2000. Barbara was a fiber artist who created many beautiful clothes and items for her home. She had a wide-range of interests and avidly read anything with an historical bent. She fostered many strong friendships, and had a special knack for bringing people of common interest together. A philanthropist and promoter of education, she unobtrusively provided the means for many to continue and enhance their chosen endeavors. Her personal motto was "Learn to listen and not just hear." She is survived by three nieces, Cathy Wheat Kamat (Satish) of Las Cruces; Jean Wheat Gregory (Don) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Judy Vick Miller (Ray) of Orlando, Florida. She also leaves behind her loving caretaker and friend of many years, Lilly Saiz and son, Jimmy. At her request, cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held later. Those wishing to acknowledge Barbara's life should consider making a contribution to a charity of their choice in her name. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222 To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.