Barbara Faye McTee

Barbara Faye (Christenson) McTee, age 89, of Mountlake Terrace, WA passed away suddenly on January 14th, 2023, shortly before her 90th birthday.

Barbara was born on February 20th, 1933 in Kelso, WA to Inga (Strom) and William Christenson. Barbara graduated from Kelso High School in 1951, attended college for 3 years (University of WA), and then married Chester Nelson McTee on September 18th, 1954. Although their long marriage wasn’t permanent, they had two children together: Deborah (Debbie) and Greg.

Barbara has been always a hard worker and remained employed throughout her motherhood years until retirement. She worked in retail, (including as a Department Manager), and spent most of her employment as a bookkeeper.

Barbara had many interests and talents. Early on, she was in a special small choral group at school, and she also played piano, although these interests took a back seat once she got married and had children. She was a very accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed knitting, crafts, golf, and for a brief period, even took up snow skiing. Carpentry was another talent; she was very comfortable with a hammer or power tools in her hand, and she designed and built things like sheds and decks. She was very interested in horticulture and thoroughly enjoyed gardening, even having a greenhouse to grow orchids, at one time. Medical procedures fascinated her, and she was an avid reader throughout her life. She was someone who mostly kept to herself, but was also known for her quick wit, and her feisty sense of humor. The beach was her place of refuge, so her homes reflected that. Chocolate chip cookies, lefse, and cards, calls, or visits from family members were always sure to put a smile on her face. She was stoic in the face of her many health challenges, and never lost her lust for life. Plans were already underway for her 90th birthday party. She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten, as those we love don’t go away, but walk beside us every day, in our hearts and in our memories.

Barbara was preceded in death by her two parents, her three siblings, Ferne (& Norman), Kenneth (& Phyllis) and Leroy (& Darlene). She is survived by her daughter, Debbie McTee-Rudd; son, Greg (& Sue) McTee, three grandchildren, Alanna (& Geoff) Nelson, Jordan (& Chelsea) Rudd, and Michael (& Bridgette) McTee, and 6 great-grandchildren, Issac, Eden, Seth, and Arielle Nelson, Julian Rudd, and Norman McTee. Please feel free to leave remembrances, comments, photos, or condolences at www.floralhills.com on her online guestbook.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillslynnwood.com for the McTee family.