In Loving Memory of

Barbara Jeanette Ritchie
of Vancouver, Washington
01/13/1942 – 01/04/2026

Barbara Jeanette Ritchie, age 83, died on January 4, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington. She was born on January 13, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Elbert and Mildred Barnes.

Barbara was a free-spirited woman who valued deep, lasting friendships and maintained many close relationships throughout her life. She spent her entire career as a mental health therapist, work that reflected her compassion, insight, and commitment to helping others.

She was an avid writer with a lifelong dream of publishing her screenplay, short stories, and novel. Barbara had an immense love of reading, music, and dancing, and was an enthusiastic, lifelong Bob Dylan fan. Creativity, curiosity, and independent thought were central to who she was.

Above all else, Barbara adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Mildred Barnes, and her brother, Buster (Buzz) Barnes.

She is survived by her children, Tommy Ritchie, Tracy Ritchie, and Paula Gardner; her son-in-law, Terry Gardner; her niece, Lindsay Cunningham; her grandchildren, Sean Burton, Jennifer Mesa, David Burton, Angela Ritchie, Cassidy Gardner, and Ashlynn Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, Kyla Brown, Lillian Burton, Mateo Mesa, Lukas Burton, and Briella Riley.

Barbara died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.