Barbara Jean Charley

October 15, 1950 - December 7, 2017

Barbara J. Charley (67) of Wapato passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday December 7, 2017 at the Cottage in the Meadow. Barbara was born in The Dalles, OR on October 15, 1950 to Calvin Jobe and Lucille (Nez) Charley. She was raised in The Dalles and educated at Chilocco Indian Boarding School in Oklahoma. She graduated from YVCC with a degree in nutrition and worked for Campbell Farms, Toppenish Community Hospital and for the Yakama Nation as a nutrition liason visiting homes teaching tribal members how to eat and prepare food properly. She enjoyed being on the river with her family while they fished or being in the mountains picking huckleberries. Barbara was an accomplished beadworker, enjoyed movies, and was very social and happiest with family and friends. We will miss Barbara and she has now joined her sons and other family members. Barbara will be remembered as a true caregiver always making sure everyone had what they needed and wanted. She is survived by her mother, Lucille Nez of Wapato; four daughters, Serena (Daniel) Hoptowit of Wapato, Deena Hoptowit of Wapato, Tana (Wes) Hoptowit of White Swan and Sophie Hoptowit of Toppenish; two stepchildren, Tamera Hoptowit of Wapato and Duane Hoptowit Jr. of Yakima; numerous grandchildren, two sisters, Anita Nez and Patsy Whitesell both of Wapato. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Duane Sr. her father; two sons, Nathan and Dellno and one brother, Calvin Charley, and a sister, Merita Nez. A short visitation and celebration of life will be held on Tuesday December 12, 2017 at 1PM at Colonial Funeral Home. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.