Barbara June Anderson

Barbara June (Loomer) Anderson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Mt. Baker Care Center in Bellingham, Washington. She was 94.

Born on April 19, 1931, at St. Luke’s General Hospital, Barbara was the eldest child of Kenneth Laverne and Ellen Bernice (Knutsen) Loomer. From an early age she looked after her younger siblings, Janice, Margie, and Bud, with a mix of responsibility and humor. She attended Sunnyland and North Bellingham Grade Schools, Alexander Jr. High, and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1949, where she served as Student Body Treasurer, excelled in typing and bookkeeping, and played nearly every sport available.

Barbara began nursing studies at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing. Though her training was interrupted by an emergency appendectomy and later tonsil surgery, she carried the lessons of care and resilience throughout her life.

Faith and community were at the center of Barbara’s life. Baptized, confirmed, and married at Central Lutheran Church, she and her husband Robert “Bob” Anderson later became longtime members of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. Barbara and Bob had known each other since seventh grade, and their 60-year marriage was built on friendship, devotion, and plenty of adventure.

They raised their son Cary in Whatcom County, where Barbara worked for Dr. Hugh Trimingham, Kelstrup Realty, and in admissions at the brand-new St. Joseph Emergency Department. She was also the heart of her home: a talented seamstress, rug hooker, gardener, and cook whose lefse and holiday meals were legendary. She loved to open her doors to family and friends, ensuring no one ever left hungry.

Barbara and Bob shared a spirit of adventure. Together they built a rustic log cabin on Lake Bonaparte near Kamloops, British Columbia, where summers were filled with fishing, laughter, and fellowship. Many of their happiest memories were shared there with dear friends Bob and Jennette Stevens, with whom they spent countless days at the lake. Later, they traveled by RV through Mexico and spent 13 winters in Mesa, Arizona. During those years she especially loved attending Mariners’ spring training games in Peoria. Though she enjoyed cheering for the Seahawks, the Mariners were always her favorite team.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; sisters, Janice Thibodeau and Margie Griffith; and brother, Kenneth “Bud” Loomer. She is survived by her son, Cary (Janie) Anderson; grandchildren Tyler (Caron) Anderson, Trevor Anderson (Desiree), and Amy (Eric) Ellenz; and four great-grandchildren, Maya, Chase, Cash, and Barrett.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2600 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham). You can view the service via livestream here. 

Memorials may be made to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church or Whatcom Hospice Foundation.