Barbara Champlin

Barbara was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on January 11, 1931. She passed away at Crescent Health Care on Friday morning August 28, 2015, with her daughter by her side holding her hand as she transitioned to a new and better life. After graduating from Strasburg High School in Strasburg, Virginia, Barbara and her best friend moved to Washington D.C. where she worked as a stenographer for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. She married Robert Champlin and soon afterwards moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where Robert was stationed in the Air Force. While in Fairbanks, Barbara went to work at Eielson Air Force Base as a stenographer until Robert was discharged from the Air Force and they relocated to Yakima. Shortly after arriving in Yakima she went to work for the Bureau of Reclamation as a Time and Payroll Clerk. She bettered her career and went to work for the Yakima Firing Center as a Clerk Typist/Supply Clerk and worked her way up to a Contracting Officer. She loved working at the Yakima Firing Center and made many friends throughout the years. Barbara remained at the Firing Center for over 40 years and retired at age 67 with 50 years of Civil Service. The day she retired was one of the hardest days of her life. After her divorce from Robert she was married to Joseph Bort for several years. Education was important to Barbara and she always regretted not going to college after high school so she went back to college at age 50 and received her Associates of Arts Degree from Yakima Valley Community College. Barbara was past President of the American Business Women’s Association. A member of the Yakima Eagles, The Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge (Women of the Moose), Women’s Century Club and the Yakima Elks. Even though she didn’t golf, when the opportunity to join the Yakima Elks was presented to her, the challenge was on! She paved the way and became the first woman to join the Yakima Elks without being a member’s spouse. Up until Barbara had her stroke she was very active and enjoyed water aerobics, daily walks at the Valley Mall, and when weather permitted you would find her at Randal Park. Barbara loved to dance and socialize. When you were not able to reach Barbara or Cliff her friend of many years you knew where to look. They could be found at the American Legion or the VFW 4-5 nights a week dancing up a storm. She is now dancing in heaven. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The day she became a mother and later a grandmother were the happiest days of her life. She was determined to meet her new great grandson and held on so she could meet Kingston who was born on August 7th. Even at 5 days old Kingston realized how special Barbara was. On the day he met his great grandma he reached his hand out and held onto her arm. We are so honored and blessed to call Barbara our Mother. She is and will be dearly missed. Barbara is survived by her sons, Robert (Bob) Champlin, Seattle, WA, and Gary (Julie) Champlin of Portland, OR; her daughter, Linda (Jeff) Leonardini of Yakima, WA; grandchildren, Tyson (Krystal) Champlin of Everett, WA, Nicole Champlin and Barbara Champlin of Portland, OR; great grandchildren, Robert Ries of Portland, OR and Kingston Champlin of Everett, WA; and sisters Joann Wolfe and Dolores Fleet of Winchester, VA. God sent an angel to this earth, I called you Mother who raised me from birth You listened to me through laughter and tears, and were there for me for so many years Now what can I say? For God has taken my angel away The most giving woman I’ve ever known, but now our Lord has called you home A life eternal in His loving care, by His grace one day I’ll see you there Goodbye for now, Mom, until we meet again; My angel, my mother, and my best friend. Love your Daughter. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Valley Hills at 2600 Business Lane in Terrace Height on September 9th at 11:30. A special thank you to the staff at Crescent Health Care and Dr. Watson for the care you showed Mom. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Champlin, please visit our flower store.