Ellen Rae BARBRE

February 13, 1938 - January 30, 2025

Spokane - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and aunt, Ellen Barbre - 86, on January 30, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

Ellen was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on February 13, 1938, to Raymond and Mary (Foster) Turbin. They resided there until 1951 where they owned and operated The Turbin Supply Store and a service station. At this time her father got "an itch," sold their family business and moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Her father purchased The Holland Motel, where she and her brothers helped with the duties of running it. She graduated from CDA Highschool. A fun memory that Ellen shared with her children was how much she enjoyed the Friday after school dances every week. She attended CDA Junior College for Business.

She married Richard Arnold Halsted in July 1957. They had five children together, Susan Rae, Connie Ann (deceased), Wendy Kay, Tina Lee, and Joseph Richard Charles. They were active together in bowling leagues, where they earned many trophies and, also enjoyed square dancing. She was a member of the Eagles during this time. Ellen and Richard were divorced in 1974.

Ellen remarried in July 1976 to Richard Barbre, and they had some good times traveling, and spending time in the outdoors - camping, swimming, and enjoying life around Omak, WA. She became a member of the Jehovah's Witness Congregation and was faithful in her beliefs and made long lasting friendships within her community until her passing.

She and Richard divorced in 1984. In 1998 Ellen moved to Spokane, Washington, to be near her son and daughter-in-law, who lived in Spokane as well. This is where she resided until her recent death on January 30, 2025.

Ellen loved doing Crossword Puzzles, journaled every day, enjoyed writing and receiving letters and cards. She was very faithful to answer all letters she ever received, including responding personally to any grandchild, niece or nephew who also wrote to her. She kept herself busy cashiering at Ace Hardware until she was 80 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond William Turbin, Mary Ellen (Foster) Turbin; her three brothers, William (Bill) Turbin, Richard (Dick) Turbin, David (Dave) Turbin; three half siblings; and one daughter, Connie Ann Halsted.

She is survived by three daughters, Susan (Richard) Kniffen, Wendy (Chris) Graves, Tina Hamilton; one son, Joe (Michele) Halsted, 11 grandchildren, Carrie, Kyle, Tiffany, Erin, Joy, Cody, Kayla, Jacob, Keaghan, Haydn, Halaina; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15th, from 2:00-4:00pm, at the Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to hospiceofspokane.org. Cards and condolences can be sent to Joseph Halsted, 104 West Turner Ave., Spokane, WA 99224.