Barbara Jean Kotlarz

Barbara Jean (Froehlich) Kotlarz, aged 84, joined the angels in her heavenly home on August 14, 2024. She spent several years battling her illnesses under the loving care of her husband of 68 years, "Steve." Her daughters helped nurse her through her suffering, as well. Her sons (including sons-in-law) helped their dad with chores so he could be with her as much as possible. Fortunately for her, her pain is no more; now is the time for her family's pain.
Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Barbara ultimately spent most of her life in Yakima after traveling as a child. Barbara met the love of her life, Stanley "Steve" Kotlarz, at a teen dance in Yakima. He fell in love with her that night. Two years later, they married on August 16, 1956 and they went on to raise six children. She was the most wonderful of mothers. Her incredible work was as a Homemaker. She truly took her job as a wife and mother seriously. She was a cornerstone of the family's foundation. This was accomplished by an intensity of love, service for others, fearless faith and devotion. She left behind a family culture which remains as close as any family could be by her and Steve's love and guidance. The service they instilled in their children by doing for one another at every chance, building or remodeling homes together, and frequent gatherings for the 60 plus family members, left behind a legacy of service to others and of what families should be. Barbara was always an advocate for her family in every way possible with religious education, sports, scouting, school and its activities, babysitting, and whatever was necessary in times of need. She was there in every way she could and her family took comfort in that knowledge. The daily baking of delicious treats, her home cooked meals and an always immaculate house were her trademarks, despite the need to wake very early every morning to accomplish this for a family of eight. She crocheted baby blankets for her beloved grandbabies. Barbara's love of her flower gardens made her the envy of the neighborhood. She also loved the great outdoors and shared this love with her family. She helped facilitate numerous camping and water skiing trips each summer, causing her children and grandchildren to inherit this trait. As evidenced by all of this, she loved her family, always wanting to enjoy as much time with them as possible.
Beyond all these things, at which Barbara worked so very hard, first and foremost was her faith in God. She became Catholic as a little girl and grew mighty in her love of Jesus. Cherishing her childhood church with St. Joseph Parish right across the street, gave her the opportunity to go to school there and attend Mass and other services at her will. She always had a beautiful voice, singing to music as she labored at home each day. But, the times her voice would shine was when she would be glorifying God at Mass. Barbara has joined the choirs of angels in heaven, now. She taught her children about the faith as fervently as she could, with Mass, CCD (sometimes teaching a class), daily rosaries together and much more. Each of her children still maintains a strong faith in God because of this.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 68 years, Stanley "Steve" Kotlarz, and her children; Stan (Elizabeth) Kotlarz, Mary (Tim) Payment, Linda (Mark) Althaus, Mike (Lisa) Kotlarz, Donna (Scott) Rice, Nancy (Bill) Beecher. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren; Nancy Ann Kotlarz, Cathrine Vasquez, Stanley "Stosh" Kotlarz, Casey Yeager, Hollie Yeager, Amanda Mills, Chad Althaus, Tony Althaus, Braden Althaus, Nick Kotlarz, Lindsey Bartley, Kaela Graham, Landon Rice, Andrew Beecher, Cassandra Beecher, Tyler Beecher, along with their spouses and loved ones. Barbara is also survived by 30 great-grandchildren – some by blood and some by love. She is survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents, Joseph and Florence Froehlich, and her siblings; Joseph Froehlich, Jerry Froehlich, Richard Froehlich, Harvey Froehlich, Dorothy Cruz and baby Ronald Froehlich.
Thank you to the lovely ladies from Hospice who guided the family through this difficult time and made our mom smile. Sarah and Lacy were her most frequent visitors and made her day. However, each nurse was wonderful and very much appreciated.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish, 5303 Tieton Drive, Yakima, on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 2:00pm. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that recitation of the Holy Rosary be said in your own time.