Barbara Ann Strader, born Barbara Ann Blumenschein to Harvey and Geraldine Blumenschein in Colfax, Washington on March 2, 1955, passed away surrounded by the love of her family and the memories of a life beautifully lived.

Raised in Endicott, Barbara graduated from Endicott High School in the class of 1973. She attended college and worked in Spokane briefly before returning to live full time in her hometown of Endicott.

Barbara married the love of her life, Verne Strader, on November 6, 1977. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, hard work, traditions, and the simple joys of everyday life. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Nicholas Lawson Strader, born January 25, 1979, and Todd Michael Strader, born October 6, 1980, both of whom were the pride of her life.

Barbara’s roots ran deep in her German heritage and traditions. She treasured family recipes and gatherings, making sausage and potato sausage, preparing homemade potato salad, strawberry rhubarb crisp, strawberry jam, and her beloved chocolate zucchini cake. Wurst became a staple in Barbara’s kitchen and was loved by her family.

She loved the Lutheran faith and its traditions, especially the beauty of candlelight Christmas services held in German. Christmas was particularly meaningful to her and held a special place in her heart.

Barbara created a home filled with games, laughter, and competition. Endless games of Pitch between Verne, Nick and Todd after homework, during holidays, and at family gatherings became treasured memories.

Barbara dedicated much of her life to the children and families of the Endicott community. Beginning in 1988, she worked for the Endicott School District, where she spent 38 years teaching, encouraging, and loving generations of students. She cherished the children she taught and the relationships she built with families throughout the community. Her kindness, patience, and caring spirit left a lasting impression on countless young lives.

She was blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Nicholas Grant (“Grant”) and Ava Elizabeth, who was named in part for Barbara’s grandmother, Elizabeth Blumenschein.

Barbara faithfully attended her grandchildren’s sporting events, band concerts, and performances, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. She followed sports closely and took great joy in watching young people grow and succeed. Nothing brought more joy to Barbara than being a Grandma to Grant and Ava.

Barbara found beauty in the changing seasons, especially spring and fall. She loved reading, word games, puzzles and hearts, and enjoying her beautiful yard. Endicott and all the people connected to it remained close to her heart throughout her life.

She loved her dogs Sugar and Comet, and cats Oscar, Bandit, and Maddy, who brought her companionship, comfort, and joy.

In 2003, Barbara found happiness again by renewing her marriage vows to Verne on their 25th anniversary in a private ceremony. Barefoot, with flowers in her hair and wearing a simple slip-on dress, she celebrated what she had confided to Verne was her true dream wedding. The ceremony reflected her gentle spirit and her appreciation for life’s uncomplicated beauty.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Geraldine Blumenschein. Barbara leaves behind her husband, Verne; her son Nicholas and wife Erica Strader; her son Todd and Heather Strader; her grandchildren, Grant and Ava Strader; her sisters Yvonne Yates, Kathy Bergloff and husband Bill Bergloff, Jeanette Blumenschein, extended family; and countless friends, neighbors, former students, and community members whose lives were touched by her kindness, faith, humor, and steadfast love.

She will be remembered for her warm kitchen, her competitive card games, her devotion to family, her faith, her love of tradition and heritage, her dedication to generations of children, and her ability to find beauty in life’s simple pleasures.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott. A graveside service will immediately follow at Endicott Cemetery.

Memorials can be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott, Washington. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com