Barbara Lee Strmiska

On April 13th 2026, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend at the age of 88 took the hands of Jesus and departed this life to be with her loved ones who preceded her in death. (She confided, she was looking forward to playing with all the kitties in heaven, too.)

Barbara Lee Strmiska, born September 4, 1937 to Richard and Virginia Kemper in Norfolk, NE. She attended and graduated from Norfolk Senior High School in 1956. She met the love of her life, Charles E Strmiska and they soon married October 28, 1956. In 1957 they moved from Stanton, NE to Yakima, WA to find work and start their life. Wasting no time they started a family of 3 children, one daughter and two sons. In 1963 they bought the home of their dreams on 21st Avenue, where Barbara lived until 2024.

Barbara worked for Del Monte Cannery as a head line supervisor 1962-2001 and H & R Block as tax preparer 1984-2019. She rose to leadership roles naturally.

Many summers were spent camping, at first in a tent with their young family and then after retirement in a 36 foot motorhome. She loved camp grounds throughout Washington state and ocean beach trips. Favorites include Riffe Lake, Ocean Shores, Fort Flagler, and Lincoln City Beach in Oregon.

She was a true fan of the television show “Judge Judy” and rarely missed a day. After moving to Solista Senior Apartments, she would ride the bus to Legends Casino once a month to enjoy a fish and chips lunch and a little bit of gambling.

Barbara was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she shared her faith with her children and grandchildren, taught Sunday School, participated with Altar Guild, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, council, and treasury.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; brother, Gary; one sister, Jackie; infant sister, Linda reuniting with them in heaven.

She leaves behind her children Sheryle (Montee), Charles (Diane), and Joseph. Grandchildren Aaron (Alyson), Rich (Leila), Nathan (Jenny), and her “one and only” granddaughter Megan (Jaycob). Eight beautiful great grandchildren Ryder and Dalis, Greyson and Owen, Viana and Madison, Ariakus and Jaylee. Siblings Karen, Jill, and Frank.

A Memorial Service for Barbara Strmiska will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 801 W Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902, US, on May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am. Salad lunch to follow in church basement.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of choice or these suggestions:

Dave Buster Rescues

www.davebusterrescues.com

Osanidde Orphanage - West Valley Foursquare Church

www.wvfc.church

“We love and miss you very much. We know you are rejoicing in the angels’ choir and loving our family in heaven. And playing with all your kitties.” - Love, Megan