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Barbara Essen Obituary
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Following graduation she attended Tacoma Community College studying Speech Therapy. In 1968-1970 she attended Western Washington College (Bellingham) Graduated in Elementary Education. Barb went on and taught 3rd Grade in Cook, WA from 1971-1975. In 1976 Barb felt God's Call and attended San Francisco Theological Seminary. After graduating from the Seminary, she served several smaller rural churches from 1978-2017. In 1986 Barb adopted Echo Asha Essen from Calcutta and continued to serve smaller rural churches. Barb served many churches around the area such as Grand Coulee, WA, Davenport, WA, Pomeroy, WA, Lind, WA, Montesano, WA, Nezperce, ID, and finally Grangeville, ID. Barb was also part of the Methodist Historical Society from 2002-2017. From 2006-2017 Barb served on the Methodist National Historical Society. In 2017 Barb retired from active clergy and continued blessing those around her. Barb was always inspired to serve and was a board member on the Syringa Hospital Board from 2018-2024.
Barbara has traveled to India, Germany, Sweden and Israel as an adult to pursue her interests in faith and heritage. She loved to quilt, cross stitch and travel to quilt shows. Barb was fortunate to serve so many individuals and was always so patient with everyone she dealt with and cared for.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her daughter Echo. Brother Allen (Marcia) Essen, 2 nephews; Sean Essen and Andrew Essen.
A memorial service will be on held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Grangeville United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family to blackmerfuneralhome.com.
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2 Entries
Joan Fosdick
February 15, 2025
Wedding of Roger and Joan Fosdick in 1982, in CA. Was this Barbara's first wedding? Barbara on the far right.
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Joan Fosdick
February 15, 2025
This is a picture of Barbara with her family in 1983. Barbara is on the right back row.
Barbara was my cousin, our mother's were sisters. Barbara grew up in Tacoma, WA and my family was in CA, so our paths did not cross often.
I remember that Barbara was always kind and thoughtful.
In 1982, when Barbara was a fairly new pastor, she performed our marriage vows, in Soulsbyville, CA. It was a wonderful gathering of family and friends.
Barbara is at peace now and she has been rejoined, in heaven, with her relatives who passed before her. I imagine that was a joyful reunion.
Deepest sympathy to her daughter Echo and her surviving brother Allen and his wife Marcia. Barbara brought purpose, kindness and help to many people throughout the years. May she rest in peace.
Joan Henninger Fosdick
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305 North Mill St, Grangeville, ID 83530
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