Barbara A. Reed

Barbara Ann Reed was born Jan. 31, 1948 to Ray and Beverly Murphy in Aberdeen, WA. She was the first of three daughters. She graduated in 1966 from Weatherwax High School, in Aberdeen. She went on to attend and graduate from BYU in 1971, majoring in Clothing and Textiles. After a brief career as a purchaser for Broadway Dept. Stores in Los Angeles, she became a stay at home mother for her two sons, David (1974) and Shawn (1975). After moving back to Aberdeen to live with her parents, she took a job with the Washington State Employment Security Dept. She transferred to Yakima, WA, in 1978, where she met her future husband, Bill. After marriage on June 28, 1980, the family moved to Vancouver, WA. Barbara continued her career with the State, while Bill started classes at Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, OR. In 1985, Barbara and Bill welcomed their third son, Aaron, into the world. Barbara continued her work for Employment Security, working her way to the position of Operations Manager. After more than 30 years of service, Barbara retired in 2008. She loved to travel, visiting National Parks and the beach. She especially enjoyed the two trips she and Bill made to Boston. Barbara and her sisters enjoyed their annual 'Sister Trip', where they visited various destinations in the Western United States. She loved to read, go for walks, and be with family, especially her granddaughter, Bianca. Barbara was a lifetime member of the LDS Church, where she made many good friends. Her faith was central to her life. She had an enormous heart for the poor, the homeless and the dispossessed, supporting various charities and causes. Barbara is survived by her husband of almost 42 years, Bill; three sons, David, Shawn (Carmen) and Aaron (Avegail); her sisters, Sharon (Dave) and Colleen (Bill); her granddaughter, Bianca; and numerous cousins, relatives and friends, including her lifelong friend, Chrissy Alzola. Barbara is loved by everyone who knew her; the world was better for her being here. She had a kind and generous heart, and she will be greatly missed by many. There will be a funeral service celebrating Barbara's life at the LDS Church at 10509 SE 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98664 on Thursday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Park Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Barbara. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." St. John 14:27.

Barbara A. Reed

January 31, 1948 - April 24, 2022