Barbara Arlene Clinkenbeard

Barbara Clinkenbeard of Fort Gibson, OK, died on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Barbara Arlene, the only child of Harry and Helen Rozzell, was born on February 13, 1933, in Chelsea, Oklahoma. In May 1951, Barbara not only graduated as the class valedictorian but also graduated as Mrs. Everett Clinkenbeard, having married on December 22, 1950. Barb and Ev shared over 63 years together until his death in 2014. As the epitome of a “hard worker”, Barbara helped her father develop film, submitted by the soldiers at Camp Gruber, in a make-shift dark room in the family’s home. By age twelve she was already an accomplished seamstress and was earning money by sewing garments for her teachers. Later occupations included working as a telephone switchboard operator and assisting her husband with the PEMCO gas station that the couple had purchased in Fort Gibson. Her position as a secretary for the Department of Human Services in Tahlequah would lead her to her final career as a visual rehabilitation counselor. Barbara had a tremendous passion and drive to serve her clients at the Oklahoma School for the Blind as well as other young adults through the Muskogee office. Barbara earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Psychology Degrees from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah. She did so while working full time and raising three children, Kaye Lynn, Brad, and Rod. During their childhood years, Barb was active in their scouting programs, school activities, and teaching Sunday school. The Clinkenbeard home truly had an open door by which one could come for the evening or even move in when such the need arose. Through the years Barb and Ev shared their home with various family members and young people in need. Outside of the home, Barbara could and did drive everything from a tractor and dump truck to a golf cart. She worked alongside of Everett in the garden, hay field, quail farm, bird dog trials, cattle business, and the kennel of beagles. Her personal hobbies included square dancing, sewing, a wide range of arts and crafts, crocheting, baking, quilting, fishing, and golfing. She enjoyed her quilting buddies and time spent as a member of the Fort Gibson Women’s Club. She especially looked forward to shopping for the “Angels” that the club sponsored each Christmas. Barbara was also a member of Fellowship Bible Church. Above all of her interests were her grandsons, Jared and Adam Clinkenbeard. No one came between them and their Granny Barb. Through them, she and Everett were given seven beautiful, healthy great-grandchildren. Barbara retired from the Department of Rehabilitative Services in June 2020 with 57 years of service. She served hundreds if not thousands of children and young adults in northeastern Oklahoma. She impacted even more lives as a CASA volunteer and fierce advocate for children. To her family and friends, Barbara leaves a legacy of integrity, humility, and servitude for a life well lived. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her son, Brad Clinkenbeard and wife, Linda, of Fort Gibson, OK; grandson, Jared Clinkenbeard of Fort Gibson, OK and his children, Isis and Sebastian; grandson, Adam Clinkenbeard and wife, Brandy, of Oolagah, OK, and their children, Karleigh, Sam, Anna, Ben, and William Everett; daughter, Kaye Lynn Polivka of Las Vegas, NV; son, Rod Clinkenbeard of Las Vegas, NV; as well as several brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, friends and former clients. Visitation with family to greet friends will be 5PM-7PM Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson, OK. Per her expressed wishes, graveside services for Barbara will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Reverend Bob Dewoody officiating with Jared Clinkenbeard, Adam Clinkenbeard, Sam Clinkenbeard, Ben Clinkenbeard, Jeremy Clinkenbeard and Tracy Jones serving as casket bearers. Sebastian Clinkenbeard will serve as honorary casket bearer. The family of Barbara Arlene Clinkenbeard has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Barbara Arlene Clinkenbeard

February 13, 1933 - August 31, 2022