Barbara Jean Saddler

Barbara Jean Saddler (Hardesty), 92, of Marysville, Washington, went home to be with the Lord on August 29, 2025. She passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by those who loved her, after bravely battling a long illness.

Born Barbara Jean Hardesty in Spokane, Washington on September 19, 1932, she was the daughter of Elmer Hardesty and Nora (Knudson) Hardesty. She has seven siblings, six of those preceded her in death. Brother, Rodney Hardesty still lives in Arizona. Barbara lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family and friends. She was the proud mother of eight children: Charles Michael (Mike), Beverly, Richard, Cathy, Cindy, Kim, Don, and Dena. Dena preceded her in death in 1988. Her legacy lives on through her children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness.

She spent part of her childhood in Netarts, Oregon, with her brother Rodney, where she began a lifelong love of the ocean and the Oregon coast. That love stayed with her throughout her life. Her favorite place to be was the Oregon coast, especially Lincoln City. She loved to stroll the streets of Lincoln City, stopping to buy salt water taffy at Read’s Candy and enjoying meals at the Otis Café. The ocean was her place of peace, and the coast will forever hold her memory.

Barbara was also a devoted sports fan, cheering for her beloved Seattle Mariners and cherishing the times she attended games with her children. At home, she enjoyed watching game shows, church sermons and uplifting reality programs that always brought her joy. Barbara had a gift for friendship, with a warm and welcoming spirit that made it easy for her to connect with people wherever she went. She never met a stranger, and her kindness and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed her path. It didn't matter if she was on a train, a bus, in church, at a Dr. appointment, at work or just strolling along on the beach. She made lasting friendships throughout her years.

Her faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She was known for her thoughtfulness, always sending cards and gifts for every occasion, making sure that no one ever felt forgotten. She loved talking on the phone, often just to say “hello,” as her way of reminding others that they were loved and remembered.

Barbara will be remembered as a woman of deep compassion, unwavering faith, and endless love. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory and the example she set of living with grace and generosity.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Generations Church in Marysville Washington on October 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Puget Sound Kidney Foundation in her name.

The family asks that you honor Barbara by reaching out to someone you love—make a phone call, send a card, or simply let them know you’re thinking of them. That was Barbara’s way, and her greatest gift. In accordance with her wishes, a part of Barbara’s ashes will be scattered in the ocean she so dearly loved. The remaining will be laid to rest at Adams Cemetery in Molalla, Oregon, beside her daughter Dena, her mother Nora, and other beloved family members.

Psalm 73:26

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

“He will gather the lambs in His arms and carry them close to His heart.

— Isaiah 40:11”

"Life is a collection of moments, and the greatest of them we shared with Mom. Her laughter, her love, her presence— these are the treasures we hold forever."

"Her love shaped our days, her laughter filled our nights, and her memory lights our path. Forever in our hearts."

Matthew 11: 28-30 :

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will

give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am

humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my

yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

Our mom was a light to us all

We will carry that light

Forevermore.