Barbara Herrick passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 77. She was born on December 15, 1947, to Keith Herrick and Lorene Evans Herrick in Melba, Idaho. She was a proud fourth generation Idahoan and a lifelong bookaholic with a love of reading that could never be satiated. She was also an eternal optimist who always saw the good in everyone. She had an unending well of kindness and warmth that she extended to all she met, which she never lost during her battle with dementia.

Barb graduated from Melba High School in 1966 as the Class Valedictorian and yearbook editor. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northwest Nazarene College in 1970 before working for St. Luke’s Hospital for 17 years, where she met lifelong, cherished friends. Upon leaving St. Luke’s, she fearlessly pursued her dreams of being a fulltime author and published her book “The Blackberry Tea Club” in 2003, co-authored “Boise: A Global Community in the West,” and wrote numerous articles for various magazines. She was also an avid member of the Log Cabin Literary Center, where she taught writing workshops and made another group of lifelong friends who Barb dubbed the “Logghe Gals.”

Her love for her family, friends, and God were the guiding lights of her life. She adored her younger brother Steve and his family. She loved spending time with her friends and exploring the arts. She considered her cousin Julie her sister, and Barb was instrumental in providing care during Julie’s fight with cancer. Julie’s passing in 2021 left a void in both Barb’s life and her heart. She regularly volunteered at her church, the Cathedral of the Rockies, and loved giving back to her community. She saw the goodness and light that was inside those in need, and did everything she could to help them.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Lorene Herrick, uncle Ken Herrick, aunt Bernice Herrick, and cousin Julie Herrick. She is survived by her brother Steve Herrick, sister-in-law Maggie Brilz, their children Mackenzie and Scott Herrick, and numerous close friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to both Ashley Manor and to Keystone Hospice for their care of Barb and their compassionate support of her and the family. And to Jessica, thank you so much for all you did for her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a contribution to the Cathedral of the Rockies ( cathedraloftherockies.org ) or The Cabin ( thecabinidaho.org ).

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Rockies, Cana Chapel, 717 N. 11th Street, Boise, Idaho.

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