Barbara Ann Shull

Teacher, caregiver, and lifelong encourager who uplifted everyone around her

Barbara Ann Shull, 83, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, with her youngest daughter and loving care team by her side.

In the months leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by music and love. She cherished visits, conversations, and FaceTimes with her children, grandchildren, and dear friends— including her best friend of 56 years, Georgia, and many others who considered her a sister, mother, or grandmother figure.

Barbara was a devoted mother and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. She fell in love with each of them when they were born and remained deeply engaged in their lives throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Infinitely patient and kind, she had a remarkably positive outlook on life. Her encouragement and unconditional support will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Barbara was born July 16, 1942, in Okanogan, Washington to Henrietta Myers and Raymond DeKay. She and her brother Larry spent part of their childhood in Montana before the family later settled in Auburn, Washington. Their beloved mother passed away on Barbara’s eighth birthday due to complications from asthma. Their father later married Marie DeKay, and together they raised their four children Barbara, Larry, Dianne and Mary.

From an early age Barbara loved learning and singing. During her teens, she sang in the school choir, the girls ensemble choir, and served as Vice President of the Girls Athletic Association and managed the basketball team. She was selected to attend Girls State her senior year in recognition of her leadership.

As a teenager she purchased her first Singer sewing machine with money earned picking strawberries. She kept that first machine her entire life, using it to sew her own wedding dress as well as many of her children’s clothes.

She graduated from Auburn High School in 1960 and from Western Washington University in 1965 with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Latin. While in college she met Fred Shull, of Edmonds, Washington, on a blind date. They later married and, while still in Bellingham, welcomed their first child, Jack. The family later settled in Edmonds, where daughters Maria and Stacey were born.

Barbara began her career teaching fifth grade and was active in both church and community life. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, she went door-to-door gathering signatures to advocate for integrating Black history across all subjects in local public schools—a reflection of the strong values and faith that guided her life.

She later worked for a Christian women’s organization, where she became known for her positive energy and exceptional organizational, writing, and public speaking skills. Her work there allowed her to travel throughout the United States and internationally, including Israel, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Naturally curious and resourceful, Barbara embraced emerging technology and taught herself computer and graphic design skills. She later taught at a local technical center, helping students develop resumes and interview skills. She eventually founded her own business, Resumes, Etc., designing resumes at a point when printed resumes were essential for job interviews. Helping others present themselves with confidence brought her great joy.

Throughout her life Barbara devoted herself to caring for others. She was a loving nanny to her grandchildren and many other children, a church nursery teacher, a home manager, and an elder caregiver, forming lasting bonds with the families she supported.

She later founded The Project Pro, a professional organizing business she pioneered long before the field became widely recognized. She took great pride in helping families bring order and calm into their homes and daily lives.

Barbara is survived by her children: Jack R. Shull (Errin), Maria Alvord (Chase), Stacey Pedersen (Einar K.).

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jack W. Shull (Cassie), Julia Shull, Ellie Shull, Sophia Alvord, Ava Alvord, Einar C. Pedersen, and Lilly Pedersen; and one great-grandson, Easton Shull, son of Jack and Cassie.

Additional survivors include her sister and brother-in-law Dianne and John Hickam; sister Mary Skowronski; sister-in-law Chris DeKay; former husband Fred Shull; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jerry and Linda Shull and Jim and Tana Walker; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Larry DeKay; brother-in-law Walter Skowronski; her parents, Raymond and Henrietta DeKay; her stepmother Marie DeKay (later Carlson); stepfather Waldo Carlson; parents-in-law Edna and Merle Walker, and grandparents Homer and Julia Myers and Charles and Martha DeKay.

Barbara was a lifelong champion for equality and considered a 2008 trip to Colorado to witness Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination to be one of the most meaningful highlights of her life. She later reflected with joy on having seen his inspirational address before he became President.

She loved reading for personal growth and rarely left an inspirational book unread or unmarked.

Throughout her life she studied the Bible and attended a variety of churches. Though a steadfast Christian, she also found value in a wide array of faith traditions and respected the individual beliefs of others. Later in life she found a deep connection with God through music, journaling, and the beauty of nature-–especially birds, flowers, trees, and the sea.

Music and writing remained integral throughout her life. Her piano was one of her most treasured possessions. Largely self-taught, she played beautifully by ear, often writing songs and singing with her children, grandchildren, and the many children she cared for. At various points in her 83 years, she also wrote poetry while reflecting on life experiences and pondering life’s deeper questions.

A Celebration of Life will be held in July, with details to be shared with family and friends as plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Washington: Occupational Therapy Education and Training Fund or to First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach: Shawl Ministry.

Barbara – known to many as Mom, Grammy, and GaGa – had an open mind and heart, a playful sense of humor, and an ability to truly listen and encourage those she loved. Her love, faith, and optimism will continue to guide all who were fortunate enough to know her.