Raberta `Boots` Barrix , Age 72


April 12, 1949 --September 22, 2021

Raberta "Boots" Barrix, ne Harpold passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on September 22nd after valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Boots was born on April 12th 1949 in the city of Sparta WI to Herbert and Joan Harpold, ne Friberg. She spent her childhood years in Mauston Wi where she met her lifelong best friend, Iny.

Boots graduated from Mauston High School in 1967 with the love her life, Tom. They were united in marriage on October 12th 1968.

Boots and Tom began their devoted life together in Rock Springs WI, moved to Baraboo and Fond du Lac for Tom's work and came back to Baraboo in 1979.

Throughout those years of moving around Boots worked a few different jobs but her passion was creating. She was an extremely talented and creative woman. Sewing, creating fashion, crafting, cake decorating, floral arrangements, and baking were just a few of her many talents. Mom always made sure her three girls had beautiful holiday dresses and amazing, sometimes very intricate, Halloweencostumes, handcrafted with love. In her later years she discovered a love of photography, using her artist's eye to capture the beauty and amazing moments in nature.

Boots spent more than 30 years as a business owner in downtown Baraboo

Starting out with a vintage clothing store, then fabric shop, sewing and alterations with the final enterprise of a retail gift store where she also sold her own photography and creations.

Boots was a kind, gentle soul who loved to laugh and have a good time. She loved helping others and volunteering her time and talent helping the Baraboo Theatre Guild with costuming for their shows. She was always willing to help someone who needed it, whether a friend or a complete stranger who just needed someone to talk to.

Throughout the years of raising her three daughters into the strong women they became; mom collected many other "kids" in the friends of her daughters. She was everyone's mom and will be greatly missed by all her bonus children.

Boots' full spirit is extremely hard to capture in just words. She was so many things and every single person who knew her is going to miss her smile, her laugh, and her love. She was an Angel on Earth.

Boots is survived by her husband Tom and her daughters Jennifer (Sean) Dunham, Rebecca (Robert) Nylen and Mandy Feick (Michael Woods). She is further survived by her 5 grandchildren Brandon (Jazmine Cordova) Nylen, Colton Nylen, Dillon (Sarah) Nylen, Charlie Dunham and Emmalee Feick, and her great grandson Elias Nylen. Boots is also survived by her sister Barbara Kumara, niece Molly (Ron) Flexon, and brother-in-law Devon (Joanne) Barrix, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Boots was preceded in death by her mother, father, and stepmother Gladys Harpold, along with other beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Boots' life will be held in the main shelter at Oschner's Park on October 1st from 2 to 6 pm. Please join us in giving Boots the FUNeral she wanted.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her name to The Sauk County Historical Society, The International Crane Foundation or the American Legion Auxiliary Post Unit 81 of Mauston, WI.

The family wishes to thank the oncology nurses and staff at St. Clare Hospital. They are also grateful for the loving compassion of the nurses and care team of SSM Health at Home.



Condolences

Kelly and Dean Felske September 28, 2021

Cousin East Troy , Wisconsin

Tom and girls, So sorry for your loss. Cancer is such a robber of all things. Remember the good memories and especially the funny ones. She is at peace with Our Lord and no longer suffering. One day you will all be reunited. Hugs to everyone. Love you.

Kathy L May September 29, 2021

Former co-worker at Darrows Baraboo , Wisconsin

So sorry to hear this. Hugs to everyone. Take care!!

Patrick E Delmore September 30, 2021

Mauston HS Classmate Madison , Wisconsin

With sadness I learned of Boots passing. She was a wonderful classmate and a kind, friendly person. Condolences to Tom and family. Pat Delmore

David Baxter October 01, 2021

Friend Renton , Washington

I am so sorry to hear about Boots passing. She was a wonderful person with creativity and compassion to share.

RAymond Rung October 01, 2021

Wife Donna was Boots 1st cousin Madison , Wisconsin

My condolences to Boots family

Cheryl Shanks October 25, 2021

Worked with Tom at The Berry Farmer, Baraboo North Freedom , Wisconsin

Tom, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Boots. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. Our loss is Heavens gain of a true angel. Cheryl Shanks