Barbara R. McCauley
July 30 1928 – November 12, 2010A true and faithful servant of her beloved Lord and Savior; an amazing woman of grace left this world on November 12 to join her loved ones gone before. We know they were waiting for mom with open arms. Mom was always ready for a new adventure; she left Toronto Canada and moved to California where she met and married Robley Carpenter. In 1957 they moved to Alaska, the last frontier, mom said when she saw the mountains she knew she was home. They raised 5 children in Anchorage. Next stop for mom was Dillingham, Alaska where several of her children lived. Mom worked at the school library and made it her mission to get kids excited about reading – she was very successful. Upon retirement, mom moved to Auburn. She was blessed to work for several years at Auburn Main Street Antiques where she shared her love for beautiful things. Mom touched the lives of everyone she met; she did not know a stranger. She had the uncanny ability to see only the best in everyone. We all became better people with her in our lives.Mom was a true matriarch and left a legacy of love of family and loyal friendship. She was the very bestest of the best and is survived by: Her children: Karen Carpenter, Kim Brooks (Ron), Rob Carpenter (Gina), Phillip Carpenter (Lola) and Carrie Carpenter (Kenny). Grandchildren: Holly (Mike & Nef), Phillip (Georgette), Jared (Katie), Jordan (Keely), Christopher, Carl, Rob, Catherine, Joel, Katelyn, Dylan, Sam, Sofia, Georgene. Great grandchildren: Riley, Connor, Ethan, Emily, Brooke, Brennan, Declan, Merik, Blaze, Tyler, her 11th will be born in December, Barbara was so excited. Family members: Sister Cathy Oxenham & children, Laine Ritchie & children, Sandy Poleway & children, Ray & Sharon Carpenter, Joyce Grady (Rodney) & children, Rita Wright (JR) & children, Heart daughters and friends. Preceding mom on this journey were: Sam & Betty Ritchie, Frank & Helen Carpenter, Jack & Mabel Carpenter, Michael Oxenham, Ross Ritchie, Robley Carpenter, Jo Ann Carpenter. A visitation will be held from 4-7PM Wednesday November 17 at Yahn & Son Funeral Home in Auburn, WA. Mom’s service will be at 1:00 P.M. Thursday November 18, 2010 at the Federal Way United Methodist Church 29654 51st Ave S. Auburn, WA 98001 with interment at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn. Please visit www.yahnandson.com if you would like to sign the guest book or leave a tribute for the family. Memorial contributions are suggested to Covenant House or S.A.F.E. Victim Advocacy besafeandfree.org in Dillingham, Alaska where Barbara was a founding mother of this agency. She will be deeply missed.
