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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Counsell, Barbara (Hope)

COUNSELL, Barbara (Hope) Passed away peacefully on October 24, 2013 at Riverview Retirement Community Care Center in Spokane while surrounded by family members.

Barbara was born to C. David Hope and Lucille (Southwick) Hope on July 10, 1922 in Hamilton, Montana.

Lucille died in 1923 and Barbara was raised by her grandparents until Dave married Betty (Bryan) Hope.

Betty brought her youngest brother, Howard Bryan, to join the family.

After the birth of Barbara’s sister (Joy) and later brother (David), the family was complete.

Barbara graduated from Hamilton High School in 1940.

She left Hamilton shortly thereafter to attend Kinman Business College in Spokane.

While living at the Westminster Hotel, she met her future husband William (Bill) Counsell.

They were married on October 24, 1942.

(Bill preceded her in death on July 27, 2013.)

Barbara worked on and off for the Washington State Grain Inspection but she focused mainly on her family, home, church and friends.

She and Bill were members of the PTA at their children’s schools.

She was a Deacon at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church and was also very active in the Women’s Association.

Her hobbies included canning, sewing, knitting, reading, and embroidery.

She lovingly made many items of clothing, quilts, and tablecloths for her family.

She also created items to sell at the church bazaar.

She enjoyed going to garage sales, attending brass band concerts, the Spokane Symphony, and seeing plays at the Civic Theatre.

She and Bill enjoyed traveling and visited many countries while they were members of Friendship Force Club.

They also traveled throughout the United States visiting family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mary Hole of Spokane, Doug Counsell (Lorelee Bauer) of Des Moines, WA, Dick Counsell (Ann) of Redmond, WA, her grandchildren Lee Logan (Lisa), Janell Hole, and Alyson Counsell, and great-grandchildren, Jeremy Casper, Seth Logan-Adams, Gabriel and Johnathan Logan, extended family members, as well as numerous “honorary” sons, daughters, and grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly.

Barbara was a quiet and private person, but her sweet and loving personality made lifelong friendships wherever she went.

She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or any other special event and always acknowledged them with a card and/or phone call.

Her family would like to extend their thanks to the staff and residents at Riverview Retirement Community for their care and loving support during her final weeks.

A memorial service honoring Barbara was held at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1926 W. Chelan Ave. on Monday, November 4th at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Riverview Retirement Community or Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.