Barbara Marie Ferrell

Barbara Marie Ferrell passed away on March 25, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Barbara was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on November 23, 1940 to Robert and Dorothy Pyle. She attended Klamath Union High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Thomas R. Ferrell. On June 15, 1958 the two were married. The marriage produced four children; Kevin Ferrell ( Jo-el) of Ellensburg, Kriston (Chip) Ferrell, Shelley of Goldendale, WA, Patrick Ferrell (Susan) of Ellensburg and Victoria Ferrell Sterkel (Mel) of Ellensburg. Ten grandchildren: Carissa Ferrell of Ellensburg, Shea Ferrell of Goldendale, Wesley Ferrell of Phoenix, Arizona, Tana Ferrell of Ellensburg, Kramer Ferrell of Ellensburg, Ethan Sterkel (Mackenzie) of Ellensburg, Emili Sterkel Mays( Evan) of Ellensburg, Luke Thomas Sterkel of Ellensburg, Jessica Ferrell Bridenback of Ellensburg and Elizabeth Ferrell Fletcher of Ellensburg, and seven great-grandchildren. Preceding Barbara in death were her father Robert Pyle, eldest son, Kevin and eldest grandson, Shea.

Barbara was known for her position of leadership in organizations such as the Community Bible Studies and CALL, a learning in retirement program sponsored by the Continuing Ed Department at Central Washington University. She served as a Deacon and President of Presbyterian women at First Presbyterian Church of Ellensburg. After all the children had married she worked with her husband Tom in the Sower Ministries, an evangelical organization that works out of their RVs in locations across the nation. They served at homes for abused children, homeless shelters and homes for the developmentally disabled. She was popular with the children and the developmentally disabled. Barbara also taught reading at a Navajo school in Farmington, New Mexico, a Sower project where she also taught the Navajo women the art of stamping and scrapbooking. They in turn taught her how to make Navajo bread. Barbara was a great admirer of the Navajo and Pueblo people's culture and art. She had a small collection of rugs and pottery from the indigent peoples of the Southwest. Barbara new each artist and sometimes over a cup of tea she learned about their family. She in turn shared her faith with them quietly. Barbara love crafting and some of her work still hangs in homes and offices around the county.

Barbara was a trusted friend to many. She was one you could confide in and know your confidence would be not be betrayed. She was a good listener. Most of all she truly cared about people. If she said she would pray for you, you could trust that she would. If she said she loved you, you knew you were loved. Never did one of her family leave her home without being told they were loved. Never did her husband leave her presence without being told he was loved. Her counsel was wise and compassionate. It will be sorely missed by many, especially her husband.

Barbara, (known as Barbie by her family) liked to share her love of the outdoors with her family. First with her husband. She was a lifelong fishing and hunting partner of his. She often caught the most, and the largest fish. She could spot legal buck deer faster than anyone in deer camp. While she could not bring herself to kill “Bambi” she had no qualms about assisting those who could. She taught her children how much fun it was to participate in these outdoor endeavors. The in turn brought their children to camp and the wonders of a large family campfire. Crafting was done in camp by four generations. Memories made that will last forever.

Barbara will be remembered as a lover, a companion, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend. But she will mostly be remembered for her gentle spirit.

Arrangements under the direction of Steward & Williams Tribute Center, Ellensburg, WA.