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Barbara Jean Stray, 92, passed away in her home of 71 years on June 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 23, 1933, in Centralia, Washington, to Hilma and Otto Hyyppa and grew up on a farm in Independence Valley near Rochester, Washington. She was the youngest of four children.
Barbara attended Rochester schools and graduated as class valedictorian in 1951. After graduation, she went to work as a telephone operator. In 1953, she married James Eugene Stray, and after a short time in Olympia, they settled in Centralia. Barbara then became a full-time mother and homemaker, raising four children: Alan Russell, Paul Eugene, Barbara Lynn and Carol Lee. Barbara and Gene were married for 69 years, until his death in 2022.
Barbara and Gene were charter members of the Centralia-Chehalis Vintage Auto Club and were also active in American Legion Post 17. After raising their children, they continued their involvement with the car club and the Legion. During this time, Barbara was employed part time at a couple of retail stores in downtown Centralia and also served on the county election board.
Barbara and Gene learned ballroom dancing and were frequently admired at various venues for their dancing ability. Travel was also on the agenda, and they enjoyed several cruises, trips around the country and numerous bus tours. She was proud of her Finnish heritage, and a highlight of her life was a trip to Finland with Alan and Carol to meet relatives and stay in the home where her father was born.
Idle time for Barb was spent sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening and working crossword puzzles, but her passion was reading, and she was never without a book. Everything she made, whether food or otherwise, was done perfectly.
Barbara was a thoughtful and kind person who always remembered birthdays and other special occasions by sending cards. She spent countless hours generously helping others. Her smile and sense of humor were delightful. Guests in her tidy home were always made to feel welcome. Despite her petite stature, she was a strong woman with a sharp mind and remarkable memory that remained with her until the end.
Barbara is survived by her four children, Alan Stray, Paul Stray (Toni), Lynn Cruickshank (Lorwill) and Carol Forsman (Carl); her grandchildren, Brett Potter (Andrea), Landon Cruickshank, Callan Cruickshank, Brittany Pennington (Brandan), Brandon Stray and Charlie Roberson; and her great-grandchildren, Ethan Pennington, Weston Potter, Jax Potter, Nash Potter and Savannah Speakman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, John Hyyppa; her sisters, Edith Carlsen and Vernita Willard; and her great-granddaughter, Brylee Pennington.
The family wishes to thank Amber and Doris with Compassus Hospice for their outstanding care, as well as Sherry Edwards for her loving attendance to Barbara during her final months.
A celebration of Barbara's life, with a luncheon to follow, will be held Aug. 8, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post 17, 111 W. Main St., Centralia.
