Barbara (Sadie) Alice Ekenberg, passed away on March 27, 2024 at age 71. She was born December 2, 1952 in Colorado and was adopted and raised by her parents Kenneth Martin Mindrup and Connie Laird Mindrup at the age of three months old. She had one older sister, Gwen. Her family moved to Bozeman, Montana where she graduated from high school. Sadie had one daughter, Julia, from her first marriage. Being a beautiful, free spirit, traveling across the country meeting amazing people and making friends and memories everywhere she went. Finally, Sadie and Julia settled down in Newport, Oregon around 1975. In 1981 they moved to Humboldt County, California where she lived the remainder of her life.

Sadie had many different jobs over the years, but she loved and was most proud of the years she spent as a firefighter and EMT with California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, stationed in Alderpoint. Being a resident of Rio Dell for the last 25 years, she had a strong connection to her community. She was an important member of her church in Rio Dell for many years and was the visionary of the free meals program she ran weekly at the church. She was passionate about helping people in need and impacted her community in so many ways. Sadie was the kind of person who would take the coat off her back and give to someone she just met. Some of her hobbies included sewing and gardening. She enjoyed sewing clothes for family and friends. She had a green thumb and had many plants and enjoyed having a garden when she had a yard. She loved animals, and always had many beloved pets throughout her life.

Sadie had only one child but would have had 12 if she could. She also helped to raise a stepdaughter, Betty Earley, and her goddaughter, Kaylei McCay, who she loved like her own. Everywhere she went she made many friends and was not someone who was easily forgotten. Sadie and her late husband Max had their time together cut short when he passed away in 2006, but their love was so deep, and she carried him in her heart just like we will carry Sadie in our hearts forever!

Sadie is preceded in death by her husband, Max M. Ekenberg, her sister, Gwen Mindrup Towey, and her parents Kenneth and Connie Mindrup.

Sadie is survived by her daughter, Julia Robertson of Idaho, her two grandchildren Roy Robertson and Rowan Paige both of Idaho. goddaughter Kaylei McCay, stepdaughter Betty Earley both of California

Sadie was buried at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka. There will be a Celebration of Life on June 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at Sequoia Park Group Picnic Area, Eureka. Please join us and bring your favorite potluck dish and a story to share about Sadie. Sandwiches, cake, and water will be provided.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sadie Ekenberg’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.