Yakima, Washington - I am heartbroken to say that my second Mother and Friend, Barb McNamara, passed away on September 28, 2025. She had been my Second Mother since 1971. Fifty-four years is a long time. It is heartbreaking to have her gone, but I know Mom is now in the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with her Husband, Bill McNamara; Son, Joe McNamara; along with her Parents, Lloyd and Esther Bell (Tilley) Wheeler; and Siblings, Mary Wales, Sharon Morrow, Shirley Boles; and Granddaughter, Stacie Killion, by her side.

Barbara Jean McNamara departed this life on September 28, 2025. She was born on June 27, 1932. Barb lived a long, full life (93 years) of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family.

Barb is survived by her Brother, William (Bill) Wheeler (Carol); Daughter-in-law, Michelle McNamara; Daughter, Donna Cochran (Steve); Grandchildren: DeAnna Potvin (Phil), CarriAnn Ross (Charles), Breane Blodgett (Scott), Nicole Cochran, Shelly Peterson, Chad Cochran (Sonia), Pat Killion; Great-grandchildren: Katelynn Ekstrand (Dereck), Casey Wilson, Megan Wilson, Vince Ross (Katie), Lucas Ross, Owen Blodgett, Greenley Blodgett, Tyson Gorman (Alexis), Merichia Corrigan (Brandon), Cody Cochran (Kayla), Ashley Clymens (Justyn), Lindey Moore (Michael), Lacey Mandujano (Rueban), Riley Peterson, and Kynnley Peterson; 13 Great-great-grandchildren; And many, many favorite Nieces and Nephews (You know it's all of you!)

Barb was cherished by all who knew her and will be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and love of the outdoors. Whether jeeping in mud, dust, or snow, camping with friends and relatives in the Little Naches, cutting and splitting huge loads of firewood, showing Scorpion Snowmobiles at the fair and selling them on 20th Ave. and Fruitvale, buying and riding horses late in life, trekking to Alaska or across the US in a motorhome with the love of her life, Bill, and his brothers, Mike & Betty McNamara and Paul & Bonnie McNamara, or just spending time playing board games and sharing meals with family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she will be a loss to our Big Beautiful Family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the home of Michelle McNamara, where friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, have a bite, and celebrate Barb's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Barbara McNamara's honor.

Barb will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. May she rest in peace.

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.