Barbara G Stewart Blakney

Barbara Gail Stewart Blakney   March 20, 1934 - June 2, 2020

Barbara Gail Stewart Blakney was born on the first day of spring 1934 in Indianapolis IN to Vernon Allen Baldwin and Mary Elizabeth Soots, two years later her brother Jack was born.  Her family moved frequently when she was young.  Her sister Mary January “Mimi” was born while they lived in Texas and youngest sister Melody after moving to California. 

It was in California where she met and married Augusta “Gus” Stewart April 4, 1953.  Together she and Gus made their home in San Jose and later Scotts Valley CA.  They adopted and raised 4 boys Timothy, Thomas, Patrick, and Michael.  Four boys with only 4 years separating the youngest from the oldest was not always easy but they were the joy of her life.  Being “Mom” was her highest priority!  In 1976 the Stewarts moved to Prosser WA for Gus’s job as a pipefitter.  Barbara enjoyed the small town and friendly people and often told the story of sending her boys to Golden Rule shortly after they arrived to look for coats.  She instructed them to each pick one out, ask the store to set it aside and she would run down to pay for them.  She was shocked when they all came home wearing coats - she couldn’t believe it when they told her Paul the owner said “Welcome to Prosser” and told them to go ahead and take them home with them, that their mom could come down and pay when she was settled in. That encounter set the tone of their new location and she never forgot his trusting and kind welcome to her family.  

Gus passed in 1997 and Barbara spent a few years alone.  Soon though, she met her second love, Philip Blakney, at a Catholic study in his home.  She and Phil were married after “courting” and Barbara not only gained a loving husband but an additional family with Phils’s children Phil, Susan, Sally, Steve, Joyce, Myles, John and their families.    

Barbara was always involved in Little League when her boys were small.  She worked in several office positions both in California and Prosser her most recent at Chapman Lampson Real Estate.  She volunteered at the Catholic Church and Prosser Memorial Hospital gift stores. She enjoyed meeting people and always had a smile.  She was also a florist and enjoyed creating and giving beautiful arrangements.  She loved music of all kinds and dancing. She could often be heard singing or humming as she worked or rested in her rocking chair.  She had a beautiful smile and laugh!

A few years after Phil passed in 2013 Barbara moved to the Everett - Lake Stevens area to live with Mike and Denise.  Barbara was a kind, loving, generous and caring person who will be deeply missed by her sons and their families; Tim (Berti) Stewart, Tom Stewart, Pat Stewart, Mike (Denise) Stewart.  Her siblings and their families; Jack (Barbara) Baldwin, Melody DeOrnellas, & Grover Wolk as well as the extended Stewart and Blakney families. Her grandchildren and nieces and nephews had a special place in her heart - she loved each and every one uniquely!  She was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, sister “Mimi” Wolk, and brother-in-law Harry DeOrnellas.  

We love you Mom! Thank you for giving so much of yourself to give your boys a great home and life! We know you are joyfully singing and dancing in the light & love of your Heavenly Father!

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when we can safely gather. Those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to the Homage - Bus Service  for Elderly People in the Lake Stevens and Everett,WA Area 5026 196th St SW Lynnwood, Washington 98036 . Those wishing to sign Barbara’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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