Barbara Louise Schultz was born on Nov. 21, 1936, in Tacoma, WA, to Dorothy and Dr. A. L. Schultz. She was embraced peacefully into heaven to her Lord and Savior, Jesus, at Olympic Medical Center surrounded by her family on Feb. 10, 2025, at the age of 88.
Barbara graduated from Tacoma’s Stadium High School and graduated from the Univ. of Washington with a degree in sociology. She was in Sigma Kappa Sorority and on the Silver Fish synchronized swimming team. She later lifeguarded, explored scuba diving, and coached swim teams and local water ballet programs.
She was married to Paul L. Mitten, Jr. on August 1, 1959. She is survived by two daughters, Suzan Lotz (Tom) and Nancy LeBlanc (Leo), and her older sister Marjorie Hargitt, and extended family. She was devoted to and took special joy in her family, and they will greatly miss her. She loved being an engaged and intentional grandmother to her three grandchildren: Kristie, Landon, and Emma (Nate).
She was purposeful and excellent in early childhood education as a longtime preschool teacher and as a parent educator at Green River Community College in the Family Studies Program. She was a member in a nonprofit organization that helped women pursue educational goals, was a Campfire and Pioneer Girls leader, and she actively participated in and supported her daughters’ interests, sports, and activities.
Barbara was widowed in 1991 and continued to live courageously and generously, volunteering and serving in her community through leadership in Bible Study Fellowship, MOPS, and other church-related activities. She became a trained volunteer at Life Choices and Hospice. As Women’s Ministry Director of her church for a time, Barbara loved mentoring other women. In her later years she also took pleasure in traveling, learning and playing tennis, and gathering to play Bunco with longstanding friends. She graciously hosted many neighborhood birthday parties, guests, and small groups at her home over the decades and liked entertaining in her lovely back yard.
For 52 years, Barbara lived in Enumclaw with a view of Mount Rainier before moving in 2017 to live with family in Port Angeles near the sea, both terrains of which she loved. Soon after she moved, she was diagnosed with MDS and fought the health battle fiercely for eight years. As she underwent her cancer care treatments, she was known for her sweet spirit and smile, encouraging others, and for her thankful disposition. The last several months’ transition held many hospital visits and two moves to Dungeness Courte Memory Care and Avamere Olympic Rehabilitation in Sequim. We want to thank everyone on her medical teams for their compassion and excellent care. We also want to thank the many friends and family for their prayers and support, especially during the last six months.
Barbara enjoyed being outside hiking, boating, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, and bird watching. She also took delight in her numerous pets over the years.
She was classy while practical and down-to-earth and made others feel comfortable and welcome. She supported local and global missions and helping others have access to the Gospel.
Her family will celebrate her beautiful life at a graveside service in Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park on March 15. In lieu of flowers, remembrances/donations may be made to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (829 E. 8th St. Port Angeles, WA 98362) or InTouch Ministries (www.intouch.org.)
Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with her arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for her family at www.drennanford.com.
