Ester Barnes Obituary

Ester Margaret Flagg Barnes

Esther Margaret Flagg Barnes died peacefully at her home in Lynnwood, WA on May 3, 2004, of natural causes.
She was born June 11, 1918 in Cathlamet, WA to Alfred Tremayne and Esther Bull Flagg. She grew up in Chehalis, WA on her parent's dairy, graduated from Chehalis High School in 1936, and subsequently graduated magna cum laude from Washington State College in 1940. She continued her education at Kansas State, earning a Master of Science Degree in early childhood development in 1942.
Esther married Hartford Richardson Barnes, Jr. (Barney), on May 30, 1941 in Chehalis WA. They lived in Glendale, CA where two sons were born, Richard Tremayne Barnes (1942) and Robert Paul Barnes (1945). She taught school in Forest Grove, OR, while Barney finished his college education in 1948. A daughter, Margaret Poe Barnes, was born in July of that year. Barney completed his Optometry degree in 1950, and a practice was opened in Seattle. In 1950 the practice was moved to Edmonds, WA, during which time Esther served as the office assistant, receptionist, and bookkeeper until they retired in 1981.
Esther devoted her life to the support of her husband, Barney, the special needs of Dick and Margaret, and encouragement of Bob. Her granddaughters, Rachel and Caroline were her greatest delight. The opportunity to meet and hold her two great granddaughters, Avery and Anna, gave her untold joy.
Her activities included active membership in the Edmonds United Methodist Church, including service on many committees, singing in the choir, and enjoying the many friendships made in the "Saturday Niters" fellowship. She was a devoted Washington State Alumnus, always faithful to the Cougars even in the "down" years. She remained actively involved in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta and the friendships it provided. She was active in the Washington Association for Retarded Citizens, and along with Barney was one of the founders of Work Opportunities Center for the employment of handicapped people.
For the past five years she resided at Brighton Court, an assisted living home, in Lynwood, WA, where she continued to make warm friendships.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband (1997). She is survived by sons, Richard Barnes of Lacey, WA; Robert and Jean Barnes of Boise, ID Margaret Barnes of Lynnwood, WA; granddaughters, Rachel Barnes DeFrees, her husband Matt, and daughter Anna of Parker, CO; and Caroline Barnes Morris, husband David, and daughter Avery of Ballwin, MO.
Memorial services will be were held at Edmonds United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 1:00pm.
Memorials in Ester's name may be made to Edmonds United Methodist Church; the Washington Association for Retarded Citizens; or Work Opportunities.
Esther will always be remembered warmly by her many friends and family for her loving and caring spirit and ever-present smile. She would want to offer special thanks to Phillis Pearson, her friends and staff at Brighton Court, Jan Pruatt and the staff and lay ministers of the Edmonds United Methodist Church, Sven and Vivian Johannessen and all the many friends who touched her life with their love. She will continue to be loved, missed, and never forgotten as she dwells in the House of the Lord.
Please sign Esther's online guest book at:
www.evergreen-washelli.com