Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you are the luckiest person on the planet. 

            That’s because if you’re reading this, you knew Barbara Tomashoff. And there was nothing more rewarding or inspiring than spending time with this native of Arkansas City, Kansas, who passed away in her sleep at Swedish Hospital Issaquah on Jan. 10, 2025 at the age of 90. The daughter of Mae and Lee Circle, Barbara was a superstar from the start. Not only was she a standout student at Arkansas City High School, she was named queen of the town’s annual Arkalalah festival in 1953. 

            After high school, Barbara wed Buddy Donley from nearby Oxford, Kansas, and had her first son, Chris. Sadly, Buddy passed away in 1959, just before the birth of their second son, Craig. Despite the tragedy, Barbara proved she was a fighter who would do whatever she could to protect her family. Now a single mom with two young boys to care for, Barbara enrolled at Emporia State Teachers College to get her teaching degree. While at the school, she met her second husband, Walter Tomashoff. The couple married in 1962 and two years later, Barbara gave birth to twin sons, Curtis and Conrad after moving to Mankato, Minnesota. 

            Her friends and family grew to know Barbara by her signature phrase, “How can I help?” She always made herself available to whomever needed a helping hand, financially or otherwise. Even when her family relocated to Seattle in 1975, Barbara continued her lifelong devotion to making sure everyone around her was happy and comfortable. That’s why she worked in the field of childcare, taking care of kids at locations like the Washington State Department of Transportation. She was also there for her children no matter what, rarely if ever missing a track meet or a band concert.

            Barbara and Walter moved to Mill Creek in 1992, where she spent the rest of her days. Even in her final years with her health failing, she was all about helping her family. When her eldest grandchild, Roman, graduated from college and wanted to make it as a sportswriter in Seattle, Barbara opened up her home to him. When her granddaughter Chiara was diagnosed with cancer and then several other illnesses, Barbara made sure to pay for any treatments Chiara required. When her son Craig transitioned to Caragh, Barbara was unflinching in her support of her new daughter and regularly as her child to send pictures of her new self. Meanwhile, she also found happiness hanging out with her son Curtis’ pet Boxers.

            While Barbara has passed, her giving and kind spirit remains alive within all those who were fortunate to know her. Like you. She is survived by Chris, Caragh, Curtis, Roman, Chiara and her fur babies Ginger, Willy and Bravo. And since you knew Barbara, you know how selfless she always was. So instead of sending flowers, she’d prefer you two things. First, go hug someone you love so they never forget you will always be there for them. Second, reach out to help someone you don’t know by donating to The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org), Children's Home Society (www.childrenshomesociety.org) or MustLuvBoxers Rescue (www.mustluvboxersrescue.).