Barbara Alice Middaugh

Barbie was born in Moscow, Idaho on March 6, 1950 to Marjorie Elizabeth Booth Songstad and Merle Pitman Songstad. She was a tiny premature powerhouse that was determined to survive and thrive. She and her family moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1953 where she spent her childhood shaped by the influence of her family, vast friends, (Barbie knew everyone), much loved cousins, and aunts and uncles. She attended Central Washington State University.

Barbie is survived by her daughter Bridget Alice Middaugh of Kirkland, Washington; her son Richard Merle Middaugh (Lindsay) of Mukilteo, Washington; her grandchildren Grayson H. Middaugh and Cecily B. Middaugh; her husband of 44 years, Richard Alan Middaugh of Woodinville, Washington; her brother Steven Booth Songstad of Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii; her sister Susan Merle Fowler (Gary) of Kirkland, Washington; nephews Andrew M. Fowler (Meredith), Matthew A. Fowler, and Ryan C. Fowler (Clarissa), great nephews Logan C. Fowler and Clayton J. Fowler; and her treasured "bonus daughter" Kayleigh Madden of Woodinville, Washington. Barbie was passionate about those she loved and being with them fed her spirit. She laughed, cried, tended to any and all crisis in her own way with food, flowers, a hug, and then just being present.

Barbie's career was spent working at Robert Frost Elementary in Lake Washington School District from 1990 to the present. She taught technology, and supported children in all facets of their day. She loved working with children and made many lifelong friendships amongst staff and families. Students and parents never forgot her and it was not uncommon to be in a restaurant or store and someone would stop to chat with her about their days at Frost.

Her cousin Sammy said best what is in our hearts: "Farewell Barbie. You have been a most remarkable woman who was dearly loved. We loved you, and will remember you. We will play a Beatles' song and think of you today and in our days ahead. And we will learn gradually to laugh again. Thanks for teaching us humor and joy, a part of living that can be hard to find sometimes. Thanks for being a part of our lives and our memories."

A Memorial Service and reception for Barbie is scheduled for June 26 at 2:00p.m. at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 145th Pl. SE, Bellevue, Washington. As requested by Barbie, she will be buried in a private graveside service in Moscow, Idaho to join her father and become the fourth generation of Songstads at the Songstad Family Burial Site.

Barbie believed that every child deserved to be loved and cherised. Her colleagues reported that she would always spot the child on the playground that needed a friend. She always became that friend.

In honor of Barbie, we are donating funds for a Buddy Bench at Robert Frost Elementary in Lake Washington School District. If you would like to donate please send contributions to: https://www.gofundme.com/buddy-bench-in-loving-memory-of-barbie-middaugh