The morning my mother passed, I had returned from the hotel and there were two nurses in the room.   Mom passed peacefully in her sleep.  One of the nurses was 6 or 7 months pregnant.   I know my mom would have seen that as poetic. She was passing the little one.       

Lee Maddox

On Jan 30th Barbara’s Birthdate ,  I took a beautiful PINK  flowering plant to Bishop Place , in loving memory of Barbara.  It is sitting on the table near the window in the dining room where it can be enjoyed . We enjoyed many a Birthday Celebrations, as the “ Get Away Car” (myself) would pick her up for Brunch.  

Love, 

Linda (Myers) Rood

A Tribute to Barbara

Tomorrow would have been our mother Barbara’s 90th birthday. I can never forget where or when she was born because we once went to see the movie "the sting" which was set in Joliet, Illinois in 1936 and mom said I was born there in 1936! I was looking forward to celebrating this milestone with a gathering of family and friends, but she passed before that could happen. We are planning a trip to mount rainier to honor her in April.

It has been difficult to find the right words for this memorial site, but I want to note the major positive shift she made in her final years. She truly took to heart my older brother Lee’s admonition that she should exercise, despite being basically wheelchair-bound. The last time I saw her, she was so excited to show me the strength in her legs and how she could perform her Multi-Gym routine unassisted.

I know for a fact that—beyond improving her physical health and perhaps extending her life—this change dramatically shifted her outlook. Combined with her “wheelchair dancing” (where she took up “driving,” something else she had never done), it brought her great joy and, I believe, spread that same joy throughout her assisted living community in Pullman. I can well imagine her saying, “What a way to go!”

Since my mom lost her husband Ches a few years back, she and I have been closer. In these later years, she had time to be herself and indulge in some acting-out. Mom zipped around Bishop Place “dancing” in her electric wheelchair. This resulted in smiles and (an occasional eye-roll).

My mom, Barbara, never lost her marbles (she said they were rolling around on the floor sometimes). But she was always engaged in life, and the lives of others. She loved Sunday mornings at her church. She was able to read passages to the congregation…she felt peace and belonging.

In my mind, giving my mom a microphone in public seems like a hazardous idea. Apparently, there were no lasting damages done.

This last statement was intentionally irreverent…she appreciated this kind of humor.

Barbara Taylor had a long life. She raised three sons, she was a successful office manager, and she burned through two husbands (more irreverent humor she would appreciate).

One of the last things my mom said to me was gentle, loving harassment. She was tired and the medication had her in-and-out of consciousness. I picked up her hand and gave her a soft kiss on the head. She had her eyes closed and said, “Who is that?” I whispered, “It’s Lee, your favorite son.” She paused for a moment and said, “Lee, I know you are my first son…but I’m not sure you are my favorite son.” Some of her good friends were there and they laughed. They knew her sense of humor; and they knew she was still there.

My condolences to Barbara's family,

 Your Mother Barbara was a very thoughtful, kind and loving soul and I will miss her dearly. I first met Barbara when I moved to Pullman . She was the secretary in the Philosophy Department at WSU.  She was very sweet about making my family feel comfortable here in our new home.  She would have my children over to bake cookies , or help out her Husband Chess in the garden/shop, and of course refreshments of cookies and (Apple Shaped)  Martinelli’s Apple Juice!  We both loved sewing  and spent time together in her studio,  as well as hours in the Joann’s Fabric Store. She made several dresses for my daughter, and was also a very avid quilter of which she gifted me several of her such crafts.  As time went by we spent time enjoying flowers at the flower farms, nurseries , or wherever flowers were available which nurtured her “Love” of fresh flowers in her home. We would get together for “ Brunch “ which I think was one of her favorite meals!  She would often refer to me as her “ Getaway Car”,  as we put her wheelchair in the back of my car and zoomed away.  On my recent visit to the East Coast to visit my family I texted her photos which she enjoyed  so much and with a very sincere “ I miss you , have a safe flight home.” She later admitted to me she didn’t like it when people flew away on big planes! She will  be truly missed and remembered always,  in my ❤️ heart . 

Sing along and vision family all together again, dancing with Barbara and her piano joining in...

https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Tis the gift to be simple

'Tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be

And when we find ourselves in the place just right

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight

Chorus:

When true simplicity is gained

To bow and to bend, we shan't be ashamed

To turn, turn, will be our delight

'Til by turning, turning, we come round right

'Tis a gift to be simple

'Tis a gift to be true

'Tis a gift to labor 'til the day is through

And when we find ourselves in the place so fine

'Twill be in the cool of the birch and the pine

(chorus)

'Tis a gift to be joyful

'Tis a gift to be free

'Tis a gift, 'tis a gift, 'tis a simple gift to be

And when you find yourself in the pure delight

The gift to be simple has led you alright

(chorus)

In the place just right

In the place just right

'Til by turning, turning, we come round right

My Grandma Barbara (she didn’t like the name Barb) taught me lots of domestic skills. During a trip to Pullman (I think I was about 12) she taught me cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, and even how to make clothes. 

There is a picture of us in her kitchen with our aprons on (she helped me make the apron I was wearing), with me giving her a big hug. ❤️ It is one of my favorite pictures of us, but I can’t seem to find it! 🙁 If I do find it though I will share it on this website. 

My grandma especially enjoyed making outfits and quilts and also writing cards/letters to show her love for people. Recently I found a card she wrote to me in 1982 thanking me for being born! 😂🥰  I have many good memories of her (especially growing up) that I will always cherish. ❤️