Our mother, Barbara C. Barnes, 88, ended her journey on earth January 24, 2019. Mom was born in Yakima on May 9, 1930 to Franklin and Lucinda Kroger and grew up on fruit ranch in Naches Heights. She loved fishing, horseback riding, and trips with her family.
She graduated from high school in 1949. Her’s was the first class to graduate from the new Highland High School gym. In the summer following her graduation, she applied to Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC). She was not accepted and instead attended St. Elizabeth’s Nursing School. While there, Mom met and married her first husband and left school. Two children and a divorce later, she met and married the love of her life, LaVern F. Barnes. They were married 56 years when Dad passed away.
Mom did some warehouse work but mostly was a stay at home mom and wife. Growing up, we did not have much but we had a Mom who could sew anything. She canned fruit and produce and never wasted a thing. She loved to garden and tend her roses. Mom and Dad enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and family. They spent many date nights at Eagles and the Vet’s Club dancing the night away.
After their four children were grown, Mom and Dad adopted a grandson, Frank and enjoyed the opportunity to parent a second time. They were a receiving home for foster children for many years. Mom was a writer and story teller. For many years, she wrote a monthly column “Back to Basics with Barbara”. She loved telling stories about her family history and growing up.
Mom was a strong Christian and instilled the love of God in her children. She and Dad joined the Catholic Church in 1974 and renewed their marriage vows. Mom could always be found with a Bible in her lap. Even after she moved to Chandler House in 2015 and could no longer read her bible, she received comfort from just holding it.
She is survived by her daughters Charlotte Steinborn, Cindy (Marc) Desgroseillier of Yakima, and Pat Bromm of Port Orchard; two sons, Frank (Tina) Barnes and LaVern (Phyllis) Barnes, of Yakima; fifteen grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern, her brother, Jay, and grandson David Bromm.
I would like to thank Mom’s extended family at Chandler House for the many years of loving care they provided for her and Cottage in the Meadow for making Mom last days peaceful and pain free.
Viewing will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 30 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at Holy Family Chapel on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. A committal service will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
