Barbara was born Sept. 16, 1941, to Edith and Russell Webster. She grew up on Lincoln Creek and attended Centralia schools. As a young bride, she and her husband, Vern Geist, lived on family property on Lincoln Creek, later moving to Fords Prairie where they raised three children: Judy, Jim and John.
She was an excellent cook, seamstress, gardener, farmer and homemaker. She loved being outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking or clamming. She was active with the Girl Scouts, the Evergreen Playhouse and her grange. She shared a wonderful, full life with the family she dearly loved, and she was an indomitable matriarch. Barbara held diverse employment throughout her lifetime, ranging from a phlebotomist at Steck Clinic, bookkeeper at Twin City sale barn, managing the printing department at Brownings Office Supply, Madsen’s Saw Shop and directing the operation of Clover Pass Resort in Ketchikan, Alaska. She loved all animals and there was always a menagerie of dogs, cats, sheep, llamas and, mostly, her beloved horses, which she never tired of riding.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Vern Geist; her second husband, Ken Fry; her daughter, Judy Geist Palmer; her son, Jim Geist; and her brother, Steve Webster. She is survived by her sister, Bettie (Jim) Cook, Phoenix, Arizona and Mason Lake; her son, John (Sandi) Geist, Lincoln Creek; grandsons, Ryan (Cortney) Geist, Lincoln Creek, Tyler Geist, Galvin and Dylan Palmer, Seattle; great-granddaughter, Madison Geist, Lincoln Creek; daughter-in-law, Denise Geist, Galvin; and longtime companion Larry Howard at the family home.
At Barbara’s request there will not be a funeral, but a celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 13, 2024, at the Lincoln Creek Grange. Donations can be made to Lincoln Creek Grange No. 407, c/o Cortney Geist, treasurer, 547 Lincoln Creek Road, Centralia, WA, 98531. Call 360-269-2086.
