Barbara J Kynoch

Barbara J Kynoch, 89, of Ucon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, after a battle with pneumonia. She was surrounded by her family and friends in her final days.

Barbara was born in Oakland, California, on November 12, 1935, to Jesse and Viola King. She joined her older sister, Charlene, and was later joined by Charlotte (Mike), Carol, and her youngest brother, Jesse. The family moved to Bodega Bay, California, where her father became a commercial fisherman, and her mother ran The Tides Restaurant. Barbara worked there as well, forming many fond memories of cleaning crab and fish from the large hauls, as well as singing and entertaining with her sisters.

Barbara attended Tomales High School in Tomales, California, where she met her future husband, David (Dave) W. Kynoch. She graduated in 1953 and then attended business school in Santa Rosa, California, before working at a local law firm. After returning from the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Navy, Dave and Barbara married in San Francisco, California, in December 1956 and honeymooned in Carmel, California.

A year later, their twins, David and Denise, were born. The family eventually moved to Rohnert Park, California, where their third child, Jeffery, was born. Barbara enjoyed bowling, softball, and attending her children’s school and sports activities. She also loved camping, fishing, and hunting, embarking on many extended trips throughout Northern California, the coast, Oregon, and Idaho. An artist at heart, she found joy in drawing, painting, and singing.

In 1972, the family moved to Ucon, Idaho, where later that year, their fourth child, Kenneth (Kenny), was born. In 1975, Barbara and Dave took a seasonal job managing the Wild Rose Lodge at Henry’s Lake, Idaho. She loved meeting the many interesting guests, cooking for them, and entertaining. After that season, they returned to Ucon, where Barbara continued to share her love of singing with Kenny, entering him into singing contests, many of which he won throughout Eastern Idaho.

Barbara and Dave remained in Ucon, where Dave ran a small transmission shop while Barbara dedicated herself to homemaking. They spent their time camping, fishing, and traveling to visit family and friends until Dave’s passing in 2010.

Barbara remained in Ucon with her beloved companion, “Charlie,” a small mixed-breed puppy given to her by Dave before his passing. Charlie stayed by her side for 14 years until Barbara entered the Life Care Center in Idaho Falls.

She is survived by her younger brother, Jesse (Jayne) King of Blackfoot, Idaho; her children: David (Ninawa) Kynoch of Rexburg, Idaho/Beirut, LB, Denise Kynoch of Rigby, Idaho, Jeff (Cindy) Kynoch of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Kenny Kynoch of Studio City, California; five grandchildren: Paul, David, Catrina, Jessica, and Adam, along with their spouses; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, David W. Kynoch; her sisters: Charlotte (Mike), Charlene, and Carol; and her parents, Jesse C. King and Viola.

Barbara was always filled with song, art, and humor. She was one of the kindest and most loving people you could ever meet. She was our best friend, and we will miss her dearly. We take comfort in knowing she is smiling, laughing, and singing, just as she always did—forever reminding us, “We’ll always be ‘Side by Side.’”

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the family and friends who cared for Barbara, as well as the staff at the Life Care Center of Idaho Falls and EIRMC ICU and hospital.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in the summer when the family can be together. Cremation is under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.