Barbara Ann Kales

1942 - 2021

Concrete - Barbara Ann Kales, loving wife, mother and Nan, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 14, 2021. Barbara was born January 20, 1942 to Theodore and Nora Mathis in Sylva, North Carolina, their sixth of nine lively children. The Mathis family moved to Washington and the beautiful Skagit Valley in Barbara's seventh year and it was there at Concrete Elementary where she met little Bucky (Les) Kales and as they say, "the rest is history".

Barbara graduated from Concrete High School with the class of 1960 and married Bucky the following year. They recently celebrated 60 years together. In 1963, their daughter, Kimberly was born followed by their son, Brian in 1966. Barbara's favorite job was being their mother and later grandmother to Kristen, Brandon, Nicholas, Tyler, and Tyson and great grandmother to Myles, Makena, Carson, Owen, Paislee and Olivia. She had pet names for each of them, snuggled and rocked them while singing the Star-Spangled Banner, and without a doubt made the best "Nan's Deli" sandwiches. Barbara's lasting legacy is her deep and abiding love for her family.

Barb was a competitor and enjoyed playing softball, golf and bowling for many years with dear friends and family. Many summers were spent camping at the lake, traveling to cheer for her kids and grandkids at their ballgames and tending her flowers and garden. Home and family were the most important to Barbara and everyone knew it.

Barb became a bus driver for the Concrete School District and faithfully transported kids for 25 years, learning each of their names and providing them with much more than a ride to school. Barb was a loud and proud Husky fan and attended many many home and away games for the Concrete Lions, supporting the students at C.H.S.

Family preceding Barbara in death include her parents, Ted and Nora; siblings, Susie, Alvin, JT, Clifton and Raymond Mathis; her in-laws, Art and Ella Kales. Missing her greatly is her husband, Buck at the family home; daughter Kim (Brian); son, Brian (Judy); grandchildren, Kristen (Jon), Brandon, Tyler, Nicholas (Morgan), Tyson (Christine), Aaron (Liz) and Chaquayla; brother, Kit Mathis; sisters, Ella Jean Mathis and Yvonne Bennet as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

To honor Barb and her love for kids and her community as well as her favorite teams, her family invites you to wear your favorite purple and gold gear, share memories of Barb that demonstrate her witty and caring spirit and join us in celebrating a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, Barb's family also asks if you're so inclined to send donations for a scholarship in her memory for the students of Concrete High School, Savi Bank, PO Box 2017, Concrete, WA 98237 In memory of Barbara Kales.

A Graveside Inurnment will be held at 9:30, Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Forest Park Cemetery, Concrete, Pastor Ron Deegan presiding. Following the graveside service, please join us for a few of Barb's favorite things-coffee and goodies at Rasar State Park, day use area. Bring stories and jokes to tell because we all know she made us laugh every day. Share your memories of Barb and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.