Barbara Elaine Matthes Parker

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Barbara Elaine Matthes Parker. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person. Barbara was a talkative person who said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Edwin and Ruth (Benson) Matthes. Barbara was raised in Seattle, Washington. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Barbara was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Barbara's personality throughout her life.

Though Barbara would initiate games and activities with her family, she would also take the role of referee. Barbara was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Barbara worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Barbara was raised with five siblings. She had three brothers Don, Eddie, and Jerry and two sisters, Julie and Ruth (deceased as infant). Barbara and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Barbara was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Barbara was tactful. One thing Barbara will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Barbara had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked stamp collecting.

For Barbara, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Barbara was also adept at details. Barbara was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1944. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

There was one thing that all of Barbara's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Barbara was such a popular person throughout her life. But Barbara was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Barbara was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Barbara was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Barbara was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Barbara was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Barbara made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Early in life, she became friends with Jean Carol, Clara Arnesen Phillips and Dorothy Webb Wicklund. She was also class representative and kept in touch with many of her fellow classmates throughout her life.

Barbara was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Barbara cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. In 1946, Barbara married George M. Parker.

Harmony was important to Barbara and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Barbara was blessed with five children, four daughters, Sherri, Diane, Ginny, Margaret, and one son, George Jr. They were also blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Brett, John, Matthew, Melissa, Bobbi, Ruth, Mark, Carrie, J. C., Danny, Steven, Christy, Lynn, and Autumn. Barbara was always conscious of the feelings others had. She tried to be reasonable and understanding. As a result, Barbara tried to solve disputes without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Barbara would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Barbara, and she expected the same from those around her. Barbara was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Barbara was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Barbara handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was being a secretary. Her last employment was for 4 years at the West Seattle Senior Center. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Barbara enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were stamp collecting, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and crafting.

Barbara was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports, like bean bag baseball. Barbara was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Barbara also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the Seattle Mariners.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Barbara to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Barbara did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her years, Barbara was an active member of the Campfire Girls, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lafayette PTA, Cub Scout Den Mother, and West Seattle High School Alumni Association.

Barbara was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the West Seattle Senior Center, West Seattle Hi Yu, and Admiral Neighborhood Planning Committee.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Barbara well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Riverton Park United Methodist Church. During that time, she was involved in church retreats, bazaars and craft days at various churches. She also held crafting classes. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Barbara enjoyed traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy the planning of those trips and vacations. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included road trips back East and to Tennessee with Margaret. She also enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, Florida, a cruise, and a trip to the Mariner's spring training with Diane.

Since it was easy for Barbara to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Barbara was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1994. In retirement, she found pleasure in her on-going community activites. Even in retirement, Barbara stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Barbara passed away on July 10, 2010 at Judson Park Assisted Living. Barbara fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her brother, Don; sister, Julie; children, Sherri, Diane, Ginny, Margaret, and Morrie; 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Services were held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 2:00 PM. Barbara was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.

Barbara was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Barbara was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she enjoyed life. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Barbara Elaine Matthes Parker.