Barbara Jean Burnham (Reichel), 90, died peacefully on Nov. 30, 2024, at her home in Rainier, Washington.Barbara was a resident of the Rainier and Yelm area most of her life. Barbara married Alfred Burnham in 1951. Alfred preceded her in death in 2017. Together, they had four children, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They include her oldest daughter, Laurie (Doug) Couvelier, and grandchildren Leah Couvelier, Elsa (Yannick) Cenar, Alex (Melissa) Couvelier, and great-grandson Watson Cenar; daughter, Lois (Randy) Hagen, and grandchildren Erica (Jesse) Christopherson, Rose (Jason) Shepherd, Samantha (Craig) Emry, and great-grandchildren Orion and Isabella Gee, and Asa Christopherson, Charlotte, Virgil and Sophia Shepherd, Logan and Luke Emry; son, Richard Burnham, and grandchildren Renae (Jeremiah) Keeley, Kayla Burnham, Nicholas (Daria) Burnham, Katie Burnham, Karey Burnham, and great-granddaughter, Harper Keeley; and daughter, Tricia (Craig) Bertsch, and grandchildren Curtis (Victoria) Bertsch, Chase (Lauren) Bertsch, and great-grandchildren Weston and Wrenley Bertsch.Barbara was the oldest of eight children. She is preceded in death by siblings, Patricia Copeland, Beau, John and Bill Reichel. She is survived by siblings Judy Burnham, Mike Reichel and Sandi Stewart and many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.Barbara enjoyed a farm life with many animals, big gardens and lots of work! She spent countless hours with her grandchildren, nurturing and singing to them. Her interests included quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, canning and bowling. She and Al were active within the community and were members of the Rainier Sportsman Club and Yelm Moose where they enjoyed dancing and spending time with family and friends.She was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
