Barbara Ann Gaines, of Lakewood, died Monday, February 8, 2016 at home under the loving care of her family and Unity Hospice at the age of 72. She was born on July 24, 1943 in Mishicot, a daughter of the late George and Mildred (Eisenmann) King. She married Dennis Gaines on July 20, 1963 at Grand Avenue Methodist Church, Port Washington. He survives.

She was a graduate of Port Washington High School with the Class of 1963.

After high school, Barbara began her lifelong career in manufacturing as a skilled craftsperson and worked in notable Wisconsin firms such as Doerr Electric, Oster, Simplicity and Bolens.

She was a member of the Ladies Guild, United Church of Christ in Waubeka.

Family was Barbara’s first priority and she had the good fortune to share her life with her soul mate, Dennis. As the family matriarch, she was a loving mother and grandmother. Although too numerous to count, her pets always had a place in her home; she was well known for walking her five Yorkshire Terriers simultaneously.

While backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, the Black Hills and Europe, she shared her love of nature with her family. From 1976 until 1993, she vacationed annually in Cancun, Mexico. As the “Keeper of the Trees,” she respected and preserved the trees surrounding her home within the Nicolet National Forest near Lakewood. Hostas and daisies graced the landscape of her 25 flower gardens surrounding her home.

In addition to her husband, survivors include a daughter, Kim Gaines, Marinette; a son, Craig (Pamela) Gaines, Austin, Minn.; a grandchild, Michael Gaines, Rochester, Minn.; a sister, Patricia “Patty” King, Port Washington; a brother, George King, Port Washington; two sisters-in-law, Carol King, Newburg and MaryJo Schinker, Elkhart Lake.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, JoAnn King and Marilyn (John) Yurk; two brothers, Wayne King and Gerald King.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Marvin Kindle officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.