Barbara Stricker

Barbara Stricker, age 80 of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on February 17, 2026 of complications from pulmonary disease.

Born Barbara Farthing in Clearwater, Florida to Anna Farthing, her mother, brother and her moved to Springfield, Missouri during her early teen years.

Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State College where she was active in the Student Government Association. There Barbara took on a leadership role in the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority as secretary and established “sister” friendships to last her entire life.

Barbara received her master’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1969.

In the early 1970’s Barbara relocated to California. Her artistic interest and ability landed her the position of Arts and Crafts Director as a CETA worker at the Ventura Boys Club. In a couple years Barbara was selected as the Executive Director. As one of the few women Executive Directors in the Boys Club Movement during that decade, she was noticed!

It was an exciting and challenging time as those pioneer women simultaneously were quietly laying a new foundation of gender inclusion at the local Clubs while their existence nationally was a loud statement (not always well received) of change.

Barbara’s commitment, competency and creativity seized the moment as she became a significant contributor of the transition into a vibrant Boys & Girls Club Movement. At a time when the organization was still evolving, she stood for inclusion. She stood for girls. She stood for opportunities for girls.

Barbara joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) national staff in the Pacific Region in the 1980’s as a regional service director. She held many positions for BGCA until her retirement 35 years later. She finished her career as a resource development specialist in the Southwest Region. Post retirement Barbara was Director of Special Projects for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

Barbara developed training programs, wrote position papers, and guided clubs on resource and organization development strategies. She had a long list of responsibilities and achievements in her various capacities, served on national committees and was recognized with the Service to Clubs Award among many other honors.

Her career was impressive. Most noteworthy is the lasting impact she had as a mentor, advocate, friend and champion for her colleagues. Barbara’s work elevated the self-esteem, usefulness, influence and sense of belonging for girl members and women professionals.

Appropriately, at the 1990 National Conference, Barbara was the one behind stage pulling the cord to drop the new banner Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Her none BGCA time was full with sailing, knitting, playing the hand bells, singing in the church choir and connecting with her sorority sisters. In her retirement she played Bingo and built numerous Lego models.

She was a kind person. She was a fun person and great travel companion. Her personal and professional courage went unnoticed. She was self-less. She made lives better for others. She was respected.

Barbara will be missed. May Barbara Stricker Rest in Peace.

Her friends and colleagues are most grateful for the loving care she received in her final months from the teams at The Gardens of Scottsdale and Hospice of the Valley. They are amazing.

Barbara’s intention was not to have a memorial service.