BARBARA "BARB" ECKERT HOLLOWAY ~ Class of 1961
November 8, 1942 - June 28, 2007

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Barb passed away Thursday, June 28, 2007, but only after a courageous and lengthy battle with her illness. Her passing leaves her family and friends with a heavy heart as she was truly a bright and shining star to all who knew her.

Barb was born in Kansas City, MO, on November 8, 1942, and began her love of traveling on her first cross country car trip moving from Missouri to Richland, WA in 1943. She spent her life in the Tri-Cities area, graduating from Columbia (Richland) High School in 1961.

In 1966, she married the love of her life, Larry Holloway ('64). Together they forged a loving home open to everyone. Her nephews, nieces and cousins remember her for her loving and generous nature and for the "specialness" she brought to their world. Over the years, Barb and Larry's house became a "home" to family members and Barb became a "mom" to many.

Family and friends meant the world to Barb. She touched so many people with her sense of humor and her caring nature. She and Larry loved to travel and camp, but only when she could share it with her family and friends. Barb considered these travels very special times in her life. She was a truly wonderful woman. She had a strong love for life and a great sense of humor. Barb always made those around her feel as if they were the center of attention even in the midst of her illness. Her joy in seeing someone or the joy of a moment was evident in the flash of her beautiful brown eyes. She was a great cook, making sure all get-togethers included lots (and lots!) of special foods. Humor and games were also a part of any gathering.

Barb loved animals from the time she was a small child. Her "puppies" were always part of her family and traveled everywhere she did. She was so excited when her job at Battelle allowed her to work with the animals. She loved the animals and was saddened when she retired from the job due to illness.

Barb was preceded in death by her father, Carl W. Eckert. She is survived by her husband, Larry Holloway, her mother, Thelma (Betty) Rowan, her mother-in-law, Sue Belts, sister, Jean (Rod) Pryor, brother, Rob (Kathleen) Rowan, children, Deven, Sam, Elizabeth & Grace; brothers-in-law: Robert (Mary) Holloway, children Tina, Shellie and LaDene; Loren (Debbie) Holloway, children Jennifer, Erin, & Lindsay; and Wyman Belts, children Michael, Heather & Brian; Sister-in-law Lorie Holloway, children Sarah, Joseph & Dillon; Cousin Becky Clinton, children Tamara & Laura, and numerous great nieces, great nephews and cousins, all of whom loved her dearly and will miss her.

A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held on Saturday July 7, 2007 at 12:00 noon at the Activity Room of the Cathedral of Joy located at 1153 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA. Family and friends are asked to bring a memory of Barb and a potluck dish to share with the gathering.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to the Tri-City Kidney Dialysis Center.

Pictures of Barb's ashes being spread