Barbara Agnes Mullen

1940 - 2024

Barbara A Mullen, 83, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Barb was born August 18, 1940, in Richland, Missouri, the eighth of ten children born to William and Amanda Rowden. The family moved to Kittitas in 1952, and Barb attended Kittitas High School, graduating in 1957. In 1956, Barb married Patrick Mullen, and they spent 45 years raising a family and building memories with family and friends until Pat's death in 2001.

Barb worked for many years in the restaurants and lodges in and around Ellensburg, and she was adored by the people she met there. She was a phenomenal dancer, and she loved listening to country and gospel music. She was always ready to enjoy an adventure with friends. In the 70s, Barb went into business for herself, becoming an expert upholsterer. She worked with most of the restaurants in town, and she was sought after by families needing a new look for their chairs and couches. She was always hard-working, and she had a reputation for doing excellent work.

In retirement, Barb took up beading, and she created incredible wall art featuring wild animals, Native American leaders, and religious figures. When her eyes found the careful beading work too difficult, she began crocheting delightful stuffed animals which she freely gave to all the children she met. Her artistic gifts were a blessing to all who knew her.

Barb's greatest pride was in her children and grandchildren; she told everyone she met about how proud she was of the adults they had become.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her son Tim Mullen, and grandson Kallen Graham; sisters Alice Luttrell, Delpha Deck, Bonnie Gilmour, Ruth Hoppman; and brothers Bud Rowden, Bob Rowden, Wayne Rowden, and Dorlas Rowden. She is survived by her sister Sue Osborn (Tom) and daughters Mary Jane Porter (Brent), Diana Graham (Ken), Kathy Stingley (Randy), 9 precious grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews, with special recognition to nieces and nephews Lori and Roger Muhler and Jerry and Debbie Rowden.

She was a beautiful, adventurous person who was full of life. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. at the Kittitas Community Church (Third and Pierce) with a potluck to follow in the fellowship hall.