Barbara Joan Vache

Preceded in death by John Vache (father), Marion Vache (mother), and Mary Ellen Thompson (Sister), Barbara is survived by her daughter, Beth Vache in Lake Stevens WA, grandsons Andrew Quiring (Vee) in Alaska, and Charlie Quiring in Mill Creek WA, sister Katie Grothe (Michael), brothers Pat (Kitty), Jim, Dan (Carolyn) and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

Barbara, after attending Christ the King Primary school grades 1 - 8 in Richland, graduated from Richland High School (RHS) in 1968 and attended Yakima Valley Community College. She once confided that she will always be an RHS Bomber. Her car still supports an RHS license frame.

During her high school years, Barbara was highly active in multiple 4-H clubs, showing her horse in various classes and winning multiple premium ribbons. She also competed in barrel and pole racing in local 4-H competitions with her quarter horse, Tara.

Four overlapping circles of friends were central to her life: Teaching, book club, walking and horse riding. Her passion for walking placed her on the Centennial Trail with friends and neighbors. Barbara loved to read and play card games with her “birthday group.”

Horses were a central part of Barb’s life. She built her dream home on four acres in Snohomish County where her horses and dogs would thrive. She was a member of the Cascade Horse Club and the Back Country Horsemen of Washington. Often you could find Barbara with friends and their horses on a back-country trail somewhere in the Great Northwest.

Barbara retired after 30+ years as a Paraeducator at Sunnycrest Elementary school where she focused her attention on students needing a one-on-one relationship with the teacher. She was a frequent volunteer for after-school activities. In her spare time Barbara taught English as a Second Language.

Barbara was a cradle to grave Roman Catholic and a longtime member of the Holy Cross Catholic parish in Lake Stevens Washington.

A mass and celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on February 8, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 6915 State Route 92, Lake Stevens, WA beginning at11:00AM. A celebration and reception will be in the church hall immediately following.

in lieu of flowers a donation in Barbara's name may be made to (Back Country Horseman of Washington (www.bchw.org or the charity of your choice.