Meta Wood Barkman

Meta W. Barkman of Bellevue, WA, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep at home on December 28, 2011.She was born June 3, 1935, in Buffalo, NY, and grew up in St. Paul, MN. Meta graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in Home Economics (1957) and Early Childhood Education (1960). In 1961 she married Frederick Barkman in Minneapolis; in 1962 they moved to Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and by 1967 settled for good in Bellevue, WA to make a home and raise their family together. Meta taught Early Childhood Development at Bellevue Community College from 1969-1979. She was a member of local Tri-Delta, P.E.O., and Home-Economics chapters. Above all, her greatest devotion was to raise her four children – the best mother anyone could have had – which she never stopped doing.She loved her family and friends, traveling, the ocean seashore, performing arts, and dining out, but most importantly taking care of and and playing with her grandchildren.Meta was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, of 48 years. Meta is survived by her four children: Frederick Barkman Jr. (Gwyn), Rebecca Koch (Bob), Martha Barkman, and Sarah “Sally” Morris (Tom); her six grandchildren; her sister Anna Wood (MN), and brother Neal Wood (OH). An active church member and volunteer for 40 years, a memorial service celebrating Meta’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1934 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004 on January 14, 2012, at two o’clock in the afternoon. Private interment at Sunset Memorial. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions go to the Endowment Fund at Bellevue First UMC (above) or Evergreen Hospice at 10240 NE 28th St. #MS5, Kirkland, WA 98034. Guest book at www.mem.com