Evelyn Kaye Barkley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Evelyn “Kaye” Barkley at the age of 84. Kaye joined her adoring husband Bill in heaven on March 31, 2025, at the Orchard Crest Memory Care Community with her loving granddaughter Megan by her side while listening to Elvis. Kaye was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and special friend to many. Kaye never knew a stranger and treasured her family and friends. She would talk to anyone and everyone wherever and whenever she could. Her personality is best described as vibrant, feisty, spunky, sassy and also so loving, caring, and kindhearted. She was a one-of-kind little lady, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Born on September 21, 1940, in Spokane, Washington, Kaye spent her life devoted to her family, friends, and community. She was known for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor and her warmth touched everyone she met. As a mother of eight, she was a constant source of love, guidance, and strength.

Kaye was the Head Cook at Shriner’s Hospital for over 35 years when she retired, but she missed working so much that she returned to work part-time to socialize and bring smiles and laughter to the patients. As a head cook for Shriner’s she loved cooking and feeding anyone who entered her home, her motto was “no one leaves here hungry”. She also loved her small garden growing tomatoes and squash in her backyard and made an incredible butternut squash soup.

Kaye loved to shop as she called it “junking” at her boutiques (Goodwill and The Arc). She would always find something she thought one of us needed (even if we didn’t) and loved finding anything she could on sale, often times telling her husband, "but I saved so much!" Kaye loved to read, watch mystery movies and go out to eat at restaurants. She was very creative and enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She even made special blankets and dolls for each of her grandchildren. She spent many hours doing ceramics and crafting and enjoyed keeping busy all the time. Decorating her home at Christmas time with lots of sparkle and vibrant colors brought her so much joy, her trees were full of feathers, sequins, and lots of glitter!

Kaye was a very proud member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed her time with her Red Hat Sisters at many social events and conventions. Kaye participated in plays, fashion shows and a senior prom. Her love and pride for red and purple radiated throughout her home. She had a grand collection of Red Hat items from hats, dresses, jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. Her philosophy when getting dolled up to go to her events was “more is more!” and she never forgot to accessorize with her bright lipstick and sparkly red nails. Kaye also enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting on her porch swing saying “hi there!” to all the neighbors, while enjoying a hot morning coffee, never forgetting "a splash of milk!" She enjoyed reading her morning paper cover to cover with her little dogs, Chloe and Maddie or as she called them "her girls" by her side. She was an incredibly unique, vibrant and remarkable woman.

Kaye is survived by her children Richard Henry (Cheryl) of Spokane, WA; Chris (Tami) Henry of Spokane, WA; Lisa (Scott) Schlenker of Outlook, WA; Scott (Cyndi) Barkley of Spokane Valley, WA; Michael Henry of California, Randy (Diane) Barkley of Spokane, WA, Cindy Barkley of Spokane, WA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Shawn (Mandy) Henry – Tyler, Carson, Harper; Kyle (Bailey) Henry – Hudson, Nash; Haley (Rob) Murray – Dylan, Ashlyn and Easton, Jillian (Dan) Clothier – Jace, Sadie; Megan (Luis) Flores – Alaiya; Cameron (Karinna) Schlenker – Wrenley, Audri, Aubri; Christopher Barkley, Emily Barkley, Joseph Guerrinha; Cobi Guerrinha; brothers John Walker; Jim (Barb) Moos; Doug (Debbie) Moos; She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Barkley married 54 years, son Patrick Henry, sisters Sharon White, Carol Tucker and her parents Evelyn Moos and John Farland Walker Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Shriner’s Event Center, 7217 W Westbow Blvd., Spokane on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. We invite those who knew Kaye to join us in celebrating her life as we are honoring her with red and purple and encourage attendees to wear those colors or accessories for Kaye!

Kaye leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an outlook on life that brings beauty and joy to the little moments. To embrace and celebrate each day, and truly enjoy life, just like she did! She blessed us with cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. It was an honor to know Kaye, and we find comfort knowing she is smiling, laughing and dancing in the sky.

Rest in paradise, sweet Kaye, we will love and remember you forever and ever.

Celebration of Life for Kaye

Shriner’s Event Center, 7217 W Westbow Blvd., Spokane

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.