1938
2012
Barbara Elizabeth Olney was born to James Olney and Anna (Richards) Olney on November 15, 1938 in White Swan, Washington. She was raised and educated in White Swan. Barbara married James P. Blodgett on July 1, 1956. Together they raised ten children in White Swan.
Mom was a cheerleader at White Swan High School and she loved good music and loved to dance, especially with her grandchildren. She graduated from Yakima Business College and worked several places including the Fort Simcoe Job Corps, Yakama Nation Housing and IIM. She was devoted in her Catholic faith and was a life long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She prayed the rosary daily and often read from her bible and missellette. Mom made her Cursillo in 2008 and was a lector at St. Mary's for many years. Barbara was also a member of the Yakama Nation.
She raised her children well, teaching us all how to cook and clean. She enjoyed canning, preserving food, gardening, and camping in the closed area. She loved her extended family beyond words. She looked forward to seeing them at all the family gatherings. She cherished her lineage and was proud of all her relations and you all know who you are! Mom was a good story teller. She enjoyed retelling family stories and jokes and making us all laugh. Our memories and stories of her will be a source of comfort in the years to come. Our mother was a well-known quilt maker and inspired her daughters and granddaughters to carry on that tradition. In her free time Mom enjoyed spending time at Legends Casino, not only playing slots but visiting with friends and family there. At home she kept her mind occupied with hand-held solitaire and slot games. She often planned her day around "The Young and the Restless" and sometimes watched it twice a day. Mom was a devoted caregiver, advocate and partner to her special daughter Coreen, whom she called a child of God. She dedicated her life to Coreen and Coreen loved her mother dearly.
She was daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will miss her guiding light and her loving ways. May she finally find the peace and comfort among her family members that she joins in heaven. We are comforted knowing that she no longer suffers.
She is survived by her husband Jim Blodgett, children; Patricia Blodgett, Joyce Paula and Carnegie Williams, Audrey and Arnold Olney, Anna Blodgett and Bill Edgar, Connie and Bobby Lewis, Barbara Jill Blodgett and Robert Haggerty, Coreen Yvonne Blodgett, Philip Blodgett, and Doug Blodgett and Thelma Starr. She will be dearly missed by her sisters; Anna Louise Nagle and Joanne Marie Price. She leaves behind her loving grandchildren; Angel, Simone, James, Brandon, Justin, Margie Jenny Lou, Katlyn, Andrew, Margaret, Joe, Wesley, Shana, Jordan, Patrick, Corey, Tyler, Bobbie, Kyle, Sophia, Mitchell, Christina, Robert, Abigail, Emily, and Douglas, and great-grandchildren; Natalie, Braden, Lucky, Marissa, Satchel, Avi, Analysia, Cadence, Yuna, Kalia, Dyami, and Kalel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara was preceded in death by her son James "Dutchie" Blodgett, both her parents, sisters; Regina, Virginia, Rosemary, and Dorothy Olney, Marguerite Whitekiller, brothers; Andrew, Gilbert, Alfred George, and Doug Olney.
A heartfelt thank you to Fathers John Shaw and William Shaw; Doctor Moran, Doctor Daniels, and Doctor Tim Brown, all of whom she sought guidance and solace from.
Visitation with a vigil was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Merritt Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held today at St. Mary's Catholic Church in White Swan with a burial to follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park in Wapato.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 17, 2012
Connie Blodgett Lewis
Dad,
She will always love you too.
September 8, 2012
Elese Washines
I gave this picture to her after I took it; she put it up in her room. I just thought I'd share it with her family. The baby is lil doug:)
September 8, 2012
Debbie Blodgett-Goins
The tribute led by my cousins said it all...beautiful people with strong faith were raised by a good woman. She fulfilled her mission well and made our world a better place. God bless you all...
September 7, 2012
Julie Watkins
May God be with you all.
September 7, 2012
Ken Hamilton
I'll always celebrate the time I was able to spend at the Blodgett house. She always became your Mother when in her presence and that always made me feel happy. I know she is happy in Heaven. We'll see you again when we get there. ~Ken
September 6, 2012
Karen Blodgett
Love and prayers to Uncle Jim and Family. Aunt Barbara was always so kind and thoughtful whenever I'd run into her. Even though we didn't see each other often, she always reached out and made me (and my children) feel like we were dear to her. She passed that on to every one of her children too, every time we see a "Jim" Blodgett, we're sure to run into a very welcoming and friendly greeting. Barbara was obviously a beautiful, thoughtful, and graceful lady. She's been a true blessing.
Love and Prayers,
Karen Blodgett and kids
September 6, 2012
Shana Cooper
All of our love & comforting thoughts to Uncle Jim & the entire family. Love Chip & Shana
September 6, 2012
Valerie Onessimo
I am sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Much love. Onessimo and Moore Family
September 5, 2012
To Jim Blodgett and faimly:
My thoughts and prayers are with you ! Think of the good times, Barbara was special! Whitford E. Johnson
September 5, 2012
MaryLee Jones
What an amazing woman. My condolences to all her beautiful children and grandchildren. Jill was upperclassmen to me and helped me in athletics, Anna helped me in the Education field and Connie in wellness. Strong family...beautiful family and wonderful bloodlines. Thank you for your wonderful life and all you brought with you.
September 5, 2012
Adrienne Craig Wilson
To the Blodgett Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I have known Barbara since we worked at the agency so many years ago. Then she made so many baby quilts for me, for my children and as baby shower gifts. She was always a lady and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
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