Elayne Marie Barlas

ELAYNE BARLAS March 27, 1959 ~ June 23, 2016 Elayne Marie Barlas, 57, passed away June 23, 2016 in Camas, WA surrounded by family and friends after a year and half fight with Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma cancer. She was born on March 27, 1959 to Zachary and Mary Harris in Torrance, CA. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Fresno, CA. Growing up here she graduated from high school and then beauty school, to work as a Hair Stylist. Years later, she met the man she would marry. Elayne and Harry Barlas got married on Oct 4, 1986 in Fresno, CA. They settled in Fremont, CA to raise their family in the home Harry built. After a family vacation to British Columbia, Canada and Washington State in 2000, Elayne was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hotchkins Lymphoma cancer; Elayne was victorious following a yearlong battle. The family then moved to Camas, WA in 2002. She was awestruck every day by the beauty this state had to offer and the peace of mind she had knowing her children were receiving great education. Eventually, Elayne sought to start her own business selling Greek Baklava, her mother-in-law's recipe. In the year 2004, that's exactly what she did. This was the start of what is now known as Getta Gyro, a very strong foundation to what already is a successful business venture. She created a family business that not only brought the family closer together, but was the glue that held it as such, which will still remain there even though she is gone. Elayne used this opportunity to not only help support her family, but also to give back to the community; giving young teenagers opportunities to work, giving scholarships to those striving for further education, donating the company's services to certain events and functions, as well as any other place she deemed would be a worthy contribution. On top of giving to the community, she gave to many individuals as well. Many viewed Elayne as their second mother, whether meeting her once or multiple times her infectious smile, laugh, and loving nature drew them in. Naturally, in return she viewed them as her own children; an extension of her own family and treated them as such. This goes to show just how much influence she had and how many lives she touched. Before her second and final battle with cancer, she lived out her days frequenting walks in the neighborhood with family and friends, building her business, eating homemade popcorn and watching movies with her grandchildren, bursting out in dance at every opportunity, and enjoying all the other simple pleasures life has to offer. Among those fortunate enough to have lived among Elayne are her husband, Harry; children, Brianna, Adam, Lukas, and Philip; daughter-in-law, Mellissa; grandchildren, Nevaeh and Melodee; brothers, Tim and Denis; cousins, Desi and Barbara; her nephew, Aaron; and countless other in-laws, family members, loved ones and friends. She was preceded in death by her very dear niece, Alessandra and parents, Zachary and Mary Harris, whom lived their final days right next door to Elayne and family. A viewing will be held on June 30, 2016 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. The funeral service will be held on July 1, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan Portland, OR 97232. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the following website: http://www.gofundme.com/elaynebarlas. All proceeds will go towards cancer research and cure development. Please sign her guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits