Baker City, Oregon
Barbara J. Youngman, 80, a longtime Pendleton resident, died Sept. 6, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Care Center in Baker City surrounded by her family.
There was a private memorial service for her immediate family Saturday at the First Lutheran Church in Baker City. Pastor Dennis Hickman officiated. Disposition was by cremation at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Crematory. Interment will be with her family in Vancouver, Wash.
Mrs. Youngman was born on Jan. 15, 1921, to Henry and Jennie Woodbeck. She was raised at Vancouver, Wash. She married Walter J. Youngman on March 16, 1940. She made her home in Pendleton for 59 years. Mr. Youngman died in 1969 after 29 years of marriage.
Mrs. Youngman spent 35 years working for Pendleton Public School District. She began her career as a secretary at Washington Grade School during the time her children attended there. In 1970, she became the secretary to Assistant Superintendent Rudy Rada. She worked in that position until her retirement in 1983.
She embraced retirement and filled her days with a passion for gardening, for which she received a prestigious award from the Garden Club. Cooking and volunteering her time in the community were also among her retirement interests.
Her dedication and enthusiasm was evident from the time she spent as a greeter at St. Anthony’s Hospital, volunteering for the Red Cross and at the Umatilla County Historical Society.
Her longtime commitment to the historical society provided her with an opportunity to share her love of history with others. She also enjoyed being a member of Peace Lutheran Church; PEO, Chapter GM; and the Delphians. In 1999, she relocated to Baker City to be closer to her family.
Mrs. Youngman is survived by her son, William Youngman of Lake Oswego; her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Vaughn Folkman of Baker City; a grandson and his wife, Chris and Carrie Folkman of Baker City; a granddaughter and her husband, Amy and Dustin Switzer of Tigard; and two great-grandsons, Austin and Taylor Folkman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, Henry and Jennie Woodbeck; and a grandmother, Lida Woodbeck.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Umatilla County Historical Society, P.O. Box 253, Pendleton, Ore. 97810.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 14, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
