Barbara Ann West

Barbara Ann West died peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, at 85.

Born on May 19, 1939, in Spokane, Washington, Barbara was the daughter

of Harry D. Potter and Barbara A. Potter. She was raised in Pasco and

graduated from Pasco High School in 1957. She continued her education

at Washington State University and later earned her teaching degree

from Central Washington University. Barbara began her teaching career

in the Moses Lake School District and later taught at St. Catherine’s

Catholic School in Seattle. 1962 she married Michael A. West Sr. at

Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

Barbara raised her two sons, Michael A. West Jr. and Patrick D. West,

with strength and dedication. While supporting her family, she

returned to school and earned a Master’s in Social Work from Seattle

University. She served for over 30 years with the King County Division

on Aging, where her advocacy for senior citizens earned formal

recognition from Seattle mayors Charles Royer, Norm Rice, and Greg

Nickels.

Barbara, a lifelong arts lover, introduced her sons to music and

culture from an early age. Mike remembers long car rides filled with

classical and jazz music, while Pat recalls falling asleep to Ray

Charles’ "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music." She continued

to attend her sons’ concerts and enjoyed live jazz and classical

performances throughout her life.

In her later years, Barbara developed a deep appreciation for Japanese

art and practiced Ikebana, the traditional art of flower arrangement.

She was the proud grandmother of Jenna S. West and a loving aunt to

Lisa R. Potter-Maul of Olympia and Bradley W. Potter (Laura) of

Richland. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother,

Gary D. Potter.

At Barbara’s request, no memorial service will be held. A private

gathering will take place at a later date. Donations in her memory may

be made to Evergreen Hospice.