Memorial Bench for Barbara on the Boise Greenbelt

Walking was a big part of Barbara Ann Lock’s life.

Whether we’re talking about her walk with God, the way she would walk to the ends of the earth to show her love for her family, her walks rim to rim to rim through the Grand Canyon, or the 5 miles she walked every day, Barbara’s walks through life are an inspiration to all those who had a chance to step beside her.

Barbara’s journey began on September 18, 1967, in Logan, Utah. She was born to Bill and Pat Hallanger and later became the older sister of two siblings, Becky and Billy Hallanger. The Hallanger family spent most of Barbara’s childhood living in Longview, Washington, where she graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1985. Barbara was a terrific big sister and always set a good example for her younger siblings.

Barbara’s caring personality and compassion toward others led her to pursue an education degree at Washington State University. While in college, Barbara met the love of her life, Fred Lock, who was working at the University of Idaho at the time. The two quickly fell in love and were married on December 30, 1990, six months after meeting.

After college, Barbara began a teaching job in Moscow, Idaho. Pregnant with her first child, Barbara worked for one year until she made the decision to become a full-time caregiver for her children. In total, Barbara and Fred (64) had three children, Victoria (31), Brittany (30), and Emma Lock (28), who were all raised in Boise, Idaho. Barbara was a frequent volunteer at her daughters’ schools and cheered in the stands at every one of their many sporting events. No matter what they did, her daughters knew she was there for them every step of the way.

When her kids started to transition into their adult lives, Barbara began pursuing more of her personal passions. She worked as a para for special education students at Rocky Mountain High School, started taking business classes, and discovered a special love for backpacking the Grand Canyon.

In 2011, Barbara set a goal to backpack the Grand Canyon 10 times in 10 years. In those 10 years, Barbara’s friends and family walked alongside her on backpacking trips where she went from rim to river, rim to rim, and rim to rim to rim. Barbara accomplished her goal in November of 2020, six months before she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma – a stage four brain cancer with an average life expectancy of 12-16 months.

Barbara’s path then began to change, but her spirit never faltered. Despite this diagnosis, two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, Barbara continued walking five miles daily. In November of 2022, 18 months after her diagnosis, she backpacked the Grand Canyon for the 11th time.

Barbara’s commitment to walking and her incredible feat of backpacking the Grand Canyon while battling an aggressive form of brain cancer has inspired people across the country to live their lives to the fullest in the face of adversity. Barbara was featured as a 7’s Hero on KTVB in Boise, profiled on NBC’s Today Show website, and other media outlets also have expressed interest in sharing her incredible journey.

On May 11, 2023, Barbara’s (55) walk of life ended peacefully at her home in Boise. She was surrounded by family. She leaves behind her husband of 33 years, daughters, granddaughter, parents, and siblings.

Even in death, Barbara walked in a new direction – into the arms of our Lord, where she was welcomed warmly.

A celebration of Barbara’s life is expected to take place in the middle of June, where those who were lucky enough to have their paths cross with hers can celebrate the life she led and the legacy she leaves.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.