Barbara ANDERSON

Barbara "Barbie" LaRae Anderson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her closest loved ones on May 2 at the age of 71 after a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension related to her underlying scleroderma.

She was born in Pomeroy, WA, on April 19, 1952, to Wilbur and Barbara Gingerich. The oldest of six children raised on the family farm, she became the patient, hardworking, practical caretaker that defined her selfless nature her entire life.

In her younger years, Barbie excelled in academics, participated in 4-H, and became Pomeroy's 1970 Junior Miss. She graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1970 and from WSU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She and her sister began their nursing careers working together at Sacred Heart Medical Center.

While in Spokane she met Larry Anderson of Moses Lake, WA. They married in 1975 followed by a weekend honeymoon in Seattle which included a Seattle SuperSonics basketball game. This set the tone for their lives together as sports fans, mostly Mariners, Seahawks, Cougars, Gonzaga basketball, and the multitude of sports that her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren played.

Barbie and Larry settled in Spokane to raise their two daughters, Shannon and Hayley. Barbie returned to work at Spokane Weight Loss Clinic when her girls were young and later traveled the Palouse country roads every day to serve as Director of Nursing at Fairfield Good Samaritan Center. She finished her career of caring for patients as an instructor for nurses' aides with the Healthcare Training Center in Spokane.

Barbie was happiest bundled up on the sidelines or sitting in the bleachers cheering for her grandchildren's soccer, baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, tennis, mountain biking, cross country or track meets. Nothing brought her greater joy than being with her family whether it was traditional holiday gatherings with extended family back in her hometown farm community or planning destination summer vacations for her kids and grandkids to share adventures. Larry and Barbie loved traveling and exploring the western United States on annual spring and fall excursions to new places, often enjoyed with friends, and countless trips to San Diego to spend time with their daughter's family.

Barbie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her daughter, Shannon (Tyson) of San Diego, their children Dane, Ryder, and Rowen, and daughter Hayley (Leo) of Spokane, and their children Mia, Khloe, and Jase. She is also survived by her five younger siblings, Brad, Kayleen, Ken, Bart, and Brent; and their spouses and many nieces and nephews.

She took loving care of all of us.

Barbie's wishes were for no formal services, only a simple gathering to share memories and enjoy family and friends. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the home of her daughter on Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2-5 pm. Please visit Barbie's online memorial at pnwcremation.com/obituary for details.