M. Barbara Dowden, 71, died suddenly at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, on Jan. 29, 2008. She was born June 20, 1936, in Seattle to Harry and Mary Eleanor (Huston) Trimble.

Barbara was raised in Lake City, just north of Seattle. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle. Following graduation, she began work with the local newspaper in Lake City. Barbara obtained her insurance license and then worked in the insurance business for several years.

In 1962, Barbara was married to Michael Dowden in Redmond, Wash. They spent the next five years in Redmond. They then moved to Everett, where they spent the next 30 years. Barbara and Mike served as marriage and family counselors for several years in Everett.

Barbara became a stay-at-home mom, raising six sons. She was deeply involved in their school and outside activities. In 2003, the Dowdens moved to Oak Harbor. Barbara and Mike became active members of New Covenant Church. Barbara was also very involved in the Helping Hands Ministries, supplementing the needy families of Oak Harbor, through a program with New Covenant Church. She and Mike also hosted a Bible study group. Barbara was known for her encouragement and the love she shared. She was also a excellent cook. Her greatest love was for her husband and her family.

Barbara is survived by her husband Michael at the family home and by six sons: Thomas Bucholz of Arlington; James Buchholz of Everett; Mike Dowden of Poulsbo; Lawrence Bucholz of Liberty, Texas; Jerome Buchholz of Snohomish and Tim Dowden of Utica, New York. One brother Sidney Trimble of Lake Oswego, Ore., and four grandchildren also survive.

Memorial services for Barbara Dowden will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Living Word Church, Oak Harbor, with Pastor Dave Veach officiating. A reception will follow at the church for family and friends. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Memorials may be made to Helping Hands Ministries, c/o New Covenant Church, 29470 SR 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.