Patricia Kathryn Barber

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend of many has passed from her earthly life to be in her heavenly home.

Patricia Kathryn Barber passed away on February 25, 2016 after a lengthy struggle with several health issues.

Pat was born in Aurora, Illinois to Joseph and Myrtle Henn on October 28, 1947. She graduated from East Aurora High School in 1965.

Pat met her husband-to-be, Walter Leon Barber Sr. while he was on leave from serving in the Marine Corps in December 1964. They became engaged on her high school graduation night. Pat and Wally were married on August 7, 1965. They exchanged their vows in the base chapel at the Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Pat and Wally celebrated their 50th anniversary in August 2015. Pat was the strength that carried the family through all the moves and three overseas tours during Wally’s 21 years in the Marine Corps.

Pat and Wally have 5 wonderful children, all of whom were precious to her and her reason for living: daughter Rebecca Sue Postlewait (John) was born in Aurora, Illinois while Wally was serving his first tour in Vietnam. Daughter Leonie Lynn Trapp and son Walter “Gator” Leon Barber Jr. (Shelly) were both born at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois while Wally was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois. Daughter Amy Catherine Chavez (Allen) and son Nathaniel August Urban Barber (Amy) were born at the Naval Hospital in Millington, Tennessee. Pat was the glue that held it all together as the family moved on to Meridian, Mississippi, Yuma, Arizona, and finally Snohomish, Washington where Wally retired from the Marine Corps in 1984. It was Pat’s great character, determination, perseverance, and LOVE that held the family together during all these years. She was our “Angel in Disguise”.

Pat and Wally are also the proud grandparents of 12 precious grandchildren; Michelle Kathryn Bland (Jerry), Kimberly Renee Stryker (Kevin), Alishah Lee Berry (Jon), Danielle Lynn Ouellette (Brian), Stephanie Kaye Wade, Gabrielle Alaine Trapp, Monica Diane Chavez, Tami Sue Chavez, Dalene Nicole-Mae Barber, Walter “Tré” Leon Barber III, Chelsie Kathryn-Alane Barber, and Samuel Philip Barber. In addition, Pat and Wally have 7 beautiful great-grandchildren: Adelyn Kathryn Bland, Jaxon Eugene Bland, Lynnzee Marie Stryker, Joseph John Stryker, Emberlynn Leonie Ouellette, Juniper Avalon Ouellette, and Evan Albert Chavez. Pat is also survived by her two brothers: Jim Henn (Fern) and Mike Henn (Chris), both in Illinois.

Pat worked for the Kmart store in Everett, Washington for 21 years. She was a Sunday School teacher and a Brownie/Girl Scout leader. Pat received many awards and accolades for her hard work and meaningful leadership of all the girls in her troops.

Pat’s greatest love was for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Pat also loved to take vacations to the Oregon Coast and Ocean Shores. She was always ready to go fishing and made the family proud when she made the Everett Herald’s Fish Ladder for her 7-pound silver salmon. Pat also loved going to the local casinos, but most of all, she loved all the moments she spent with her family.

Pat was a lover of all the family dogs and cats, and all the other critters Wally and the kids had as pets. She also tolerated all the reptiles and other creatures Wally and the kids would bring home from the desert in Arizona, as well as the many animals Wally would bring home during his 30 years as an Animal Control officer; the biggest being our emu named Baby. She especially loved her pigmy goats.

Pat was loved, admired, and respected by all who were privileged to know her and have her in their lives. We all love you and will miss you in our lives, my Beautiful Wife “Patty K”.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Evergreen Funeral Home at 4505 Broadway Everett, WA on March 4, 2016 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

A celebration of Pat’s wonderful life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Evergreen Funeral Home, followed by the graveside service at the G.A.R. cemetery in Snohomish, WA.

The services will be led by Dennis Niva, Minister for the 92nd Street Church of Christ in Marysville, WA.

The family wishes to thank all the Doctors, Nurses, and Nursing Assistants at Providence Medical Center who cared for our precious Pat and kept her comfortable and pain free during her last days and hours of being with us. God Bless each and every one of you who took part in her care.

Remembrance gathering (potluck) to follow graveside service. Location to be determined.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU “PATTY K” UNTIL WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.