Barbara Longfellow Glover [Howard] passed away peacefully the morning of Feb. 16, 2006 at Bellingham’s St Joseph’s Hospital from complications following a fall that occurred two days earlier. She had moved to an assisted living facility in Bellingham to be near daughter Joyce and husband Dennis in early January, 2006.

Barbara was born in Seattle in 1918. She lived in the Ballard area and after graduation she married Floyd Howard, her Ballard High School sweetheart, in 1936.

In 1952 with Floyd and their four children, the family moved to Whidbey Island. Floyd sold his restaurant, the Terry Cafe in downtown Seattle, to facilitate the move to what they hoped would be a more peaceful life than that associated with busy city living. Floyd soon opened Floyd E. Howard Real Estate at Pioneer Corner in Bayview.

Barbara raised her family on Whidbey where she and Floyd made many friends.

Floyd passed away in 1979, and a few years later, Barbara married Bud Glover, a widower and mutual friend of both she and Floyd.

Barbara and Bud lived in Mount Vernon for some time before becoming RV enthusiasts, traveling throughout the U.S. during their marriage. Barbara and Bud soon landed in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., where Bud became ill and passed away, prompting Barbara to return to Whidbey and a comfortable home in Freeland where she could be closer to her children and their families.

Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor and always a smile on her face. Above all, she was a thoughtful and giving Mother to her four children. She was primarily responsible for providing them with the tools to help them take on the responsibilities of raising their own families and experiencing the good things that life in the Northwest has to offer.

Barbara is survived by sons David Howard and wife Joan of Eastern Washington; Bruce Howard and wife Sally of Freeland; Paul Howard and wife Patti of Clinton; and daughter Joyce Bennett and husband Dennis of Bellingham. Also left behind are nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, whose lives were positively inspired by this wonderful lady.

We invite friends and family to celebrate Barbara’s life rather than dwell upon her passing as that event is as much a part of life as birth itself.

To her many friends and family, she quietly says, “Thanks for the wonderful memories.”

The family will gather for a private remembrance at a future date.