Barbara Jean Coffland

Barbara Jean Coffland, 80, left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 22, 2006 after a valiant struggle with ALS Lou Gehrig's disease. She was born in Sheridan, Oregon on June 7, 1926 to Lenna and Clayton Atwood. The fourth of four children, she is survived by

her brothers Earl wife Jane of Carson, WA; William wife Martha,

deceased of Burlington, WA; and preceded in death by her brother Don survived by wife Tena of Vancouver, WA. Barbara married Charley Coffland on April 11, 1947 and was preceded in death by him in 1991. Barbara is also survived by her four children: Steven of Everett, WA; Shirley Blanchett husband Paul of Mountlake Terrace, WA; Wendy Glenn husband

Nick of Manson, WA; and Don wife Marie of Seattle, WA; and seven

grandchildren: Wyatt wife Charlotte, Kyle, Rachel, Billy, Jacob, Sarah, and Gabriel.

Barbara graduated from Sheridan High School in 1944, working odd jobs throughout her teen years, but then most notably as a riveter for Boeing Aircraft Company both during and after World War II. Soon after, she became a full-time housewife and mother - a true expert on Home Economics.

We always had what we needed, due to her genius at working a budget and finding the bargains.

Barbara and Chuck bought a house in North Seattle in 1949, which grew as the family grew; she called this house her home for 54 years. Barbara bowled for 25+ years on a league with Leilani Lanes in Seattle, winning many championships with her team. She was the "anchor" for her team, always coming through with strikes at the crucial times. She was still beating the rest of us and also bowling with her team, up to three years ago.

Music was also an important part of Barbara's life; she was always singing or listening to music and bouncing around the house. She couldn't sit still when a good tune was in her head or on the radio - and she moved to the beat. There was no "generation gap" when it came to music; she was dancing the new dances right along with us throughout our teen years. Barbara was an active member of the PTA, and a Scout Leader for both Boy and Girl Scouts, along with being the North Seattle Neighborhood Cookie Chairman for the Girl Scouts one memorable year the cookie cases filled the garage from top to bottom - it was astounding. Mom and Dad loved the

outdoors, and camping and boating was a big part of our lives.

Barbara had many hobbies: gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting are among the many activities she liked to do. She even rode dirt bikes with us from time to time. Mom also liked to get out and walk,

and she used to walk around Green Lake in Seattle many times a week with her friend Ruth Hood.

Mom and Dad taught us how to be men and women, how to be good parents, how to be good people. We owe them everything we have become. We love you Mom,

and you will be missed from this earth for all time. Mom is now back with Dad, where she has always wanted to be.

We wish to thank the staff at Josephine Nursing Home in Stanwood, WA for the dignified and loving manner in which they cared for Barbara during the last 11 months of her life. They are truly a blessing.

Flowers are always a blessing, but if you would prefer, may we suggest

The ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, 19110 66th Ave S #G-101, Kent, WA 98032, or the Josephine Sunset Home, 9901 272nd Place, Stanwood, WA 98292 for any donations you may like to make in Barbara's memory.