Barbara Valene Borders

A little over a month after her 98th birthday party, Barbara Valene (Kaster) Borders passed away in her home with her daughter Dana and best friend and caregiver, Pam by her side.

Barbara grew up on a farm 7 miles outside Filer, Idaho with her older brother Howard and younger brother Glenn. Her parents John Ferdinand “Ferd” and Lela (Williamson) Kaster lived simply with no indoor plumbing and drew water from a cistern. At eight, she got her first horse, named Flossy, and rode bareback to school most days. This began her lifelong love for horses and riding, competing as a rodeo princess in her teen years. Because of her father’s health, her mother sent her to Twin Falls to finish high school where she worked for room and board and at a perfume counter for spending money. She did various jobs but mostly worked in a bank as a teller when she was older, a job she would do wherever she found herself living.

After graduation, Barbara decided to move to California to live and work with her cousin. But stopping off in Homedale to see her uncle, she met a WWII airman named Clifford James Agenbroad. He convinced her to stay and soon afterwards they were married. She never made it to California. They started their married life homesteading in Bruneau with good friends Gene and Letty Davis. However, the Korean War started, and Cliff was called back to a career in the Air Force. They had 4 children; Chris, Scott, Brad, and Dana. Cliff died in 1967 returning to Fairchild AFB in an accidental plane crash. Chris and Scott preceded Barbara in death.

Barbara married Howard Stuchlik in 1975, who brought her back to Idaho. They had a wonderful life for over 30 years, golfing, traveling, raising their dogs and enjoying friends and family. Not having children of his own, Howard embraced his new family and the 4 grandkids; Nico, Lewis, Jena and Elise through Brad and Marilyn. They both loved visits, holiday shopping and spoiling the little ones. After Howard passed, she married Col. Ray Borders and they had 9 happy years together. Barbara loved her Borders family, especially being “Oma” to the grandkids and great grandkids.

In her last decade of life Barbara grew a reputation for her daring and adventurous birthday celebrations. She did such things as riding a Harley, hot air ballooning, trail riding, she rode a mechanical bull, and of course, skydiving at 93. She loved to do things and then tell the event leaders how old she was! On her 98th birthday at the Pendleton Roundup, a rodeo clown sang happy birthday to her along with 14,000 rodeo fans cheering. She felt like a rodeo queen all day.

The secret to her longevity and health in her later life was the love and care she received from her best friend and caregiver, Pam Ellis. For 11 years, Pam took care of all her needs from medical appointments, shopping and dining and providing good company and friendship. Pam was another daughter to her and when asked if she should move to Assisted Living, Barbara said, “No, I’ve got my Pam.” And she did, right to the end. Her other care provider and friend, Mirsada Duratovic helped her care for her home and brought her wonderful meals and produce from her garden. Mark Agenbroad kept her important papers and records together and was always just a phone call away if needed. And nephew Steve made sure Barbara was in style with the most elegant clothes and shoes imaginable. The Border’s family always included her in their family and holiday gatherings. Wonderful, compassionate care was given to Barbara by Keystone Hospice and their staff; Tom, Charlie, Sarah, Grace and Loran. The quality of her life was enriched by so many other friends and family members. To all of you, thank you, with our deepest, heartfelt gratitude.