Barbara Ann Wilder

Obituary for Barbara Ann (Basler) Wilder

Barbara Ann Wilder, 94, passed away on October 22, 2025. Barbara was born June 5, 1931, at St. Luke's Hospital Boise, Idaho to Evelyn (Delong) and Loren H. Basler.

Barbara attended first grade in Boise while her father was the Boise High School football coach and Dean of boys. Her family moved to Weiser, Idaho where she attended grades 2-6 while her father was manager of the National Youth Administration Program (vocational school for high school graduates). When World War II started the school was closed and her dad became the Assistant Manager of the Veteran's Hospital in Boise. Barbara finished grades 7 – 12 in Boise, graduating from Boise High School in 1949 and then Boise Junior College in 1951. She then attended the University of Idaho where she was a member of Tri-Delta Sorority, graduating in 1953, with a bachelor's degree in home economics.

On September 1, 1953, Barbara married the love of her life, Ralph Wilder, and began a full, active and eventful life for over 7 decades. They began their family while Ralph completed Veterinary School at Washington State University. She was a proud recipient of a PHTVS Degree (Putting Hubby Through Vet School Degree). Together in 1959, they started Boise Valley Animal Hospital in Eagle, which they operated for over 50 years. Barbara worked alongside Ralph in a variety of roles including receptionist, surgery assistant, kennel girl, and bookkeeper.

Family was at the heart of everything Barbara did. She played an active role on the family’s farm raising their three boys, feeding bottle calves and lambs, and enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables from her garden. She was an officer of the PTO in Star while her boys were in school, the Secretary/Treasurer for the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association Women’s Auxiliary, and a member of the Lady Lions Madrigal Choir for many years. She was also a co-leader for the Star Lighters 4-H Club. She loved playing card games and was an active member of bridge and pinocle clubs.

Barbara is survived by sons Steve (Laura), Wilder, Doug (Pat) Wilder, and Mike Wilder. In addition, Barbara was a proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren, Shantel (Jason) Youngkin, Brandon (Rachel) Wilder, Amanda (Dennis) Meek, Brett (Liz) Wilder, and Josh Wilder, and four great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Blake, Bradley, and John.

Barbara’s family extends a special thank you to her longtime caregivers Kim Givens and Tammy Ellsworth.

Barbara is preceded by her husband, Ralph, parents Loren and Evelyn, and brother, Loren Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Meals on Wheels or the Shriners Children Hospital.