November 18th, 1934 – March 31st 2015
Stella Frances Barger nee Fischer, 80, of Everett Washington passed away March 31st 2015 at the UW Medical Center Hospital due to complications resulting from a recent surgery. Her grandson Bill Barger, (named for his grandfather/Stella’s late husband), was by her side when she passed. She was born to Elsie Pearl Deweese and Paul Henry Fischer in Kelso, Washington, on November 18th, 1934.
Growing up, Stella attended several schools including Monterey Bay Academy, Pacific Union College, and graduated as an LPN from Mesa State University. Stella enjoyed learning. She was an avid reader and student of many subjects throughout her life. During her life she was a homemaker, Medical Records Transcriptionist at Loma Linda Hospital, a Nurse and Activities Director for La Villa Grande Nursing Home, Housekeeper, and Telemarketer for State Roofing in Everett, Washington. In later years she spent time volunteering for Providence Hospital in Everett Washington where she worked in the medical library. She also served on an advisory board at Providence that helped shape several patient policies. Stella was actively involved with her local church community at The Vintage Apartments where she served on the church advisory committee. In her earlier years she taught children’s Sabbath School classes for the Seventh Day Adventist church. Stella loved to write, and as a writer Stella sold several articles for publication. Stella was treasured by those close to her, and continually helped others within her community. On one such occasion she assisted her pastor with finding the funding for his eye surgery that restored his sight.
Stella Barger was a caring mother, beloved grandmother, and doting great grandmother. 
During her life she enjoyed long drives, hikes in the mountains, camping, visiting National and State Parks, and visiting amusement parks such as Knotts Berry Farm, Disney Land, and Sea World. Stella loved to crochet. Hardly a person in her family or circle of friends, was without an afghan, article of clothing, or stuffed animal that she had crocheted. She also taught crochet classes at The Vintage Apartments. Throughout her life she continued to be a passionate student of the Bible, assisting others in their Biblical studies while actively participating in her community church Bible studies. Spiritually she was often a mentor to other members of her church community. Even though Stella struggled financially in later years, she managed to find a way to purchase Bibles for all those in her community at The Vintage Apartments in Everett who were unable to afford them. Stella enjoyed cooking for her family and for her friends. She was always tinkering with a recipe to make it “better,” which usually worked great, but occasionally resulted in odd looking and tasting creations.
During Stella’s life she lived in Castle Rock and Everett Washington, Denver and Grand Junction Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, Mariposa, Loma Linda and San Bernardino, California, but her heart always resided in Washington, the state of her birth. Stella grew up in Castle Rock Washington and Mariposa California. She would often regale friends and family for hours with stories of her childhood. She loved sitting at Mukilteo beach watching the water. She also loved ferry rides, which she called “the poor man’s boat ride.” Stella loved animals as long as they were not reptilian in nature. Stella also relished music, especially harp music which she could listen to for hours while reading or crocheting. When her son Mark began playing the Native American Flute she also learned to play the flute and enjoyed both listening to and playing this instrument.
Stella is survived by her daughter, Renee Martin of Pasco, Washington, and her son, Mark (Carol) Barger of Joplin, Missouri, her four grandchildren Ryan (Sarah) Martin of Newberg, Oregon, Levi (Jessie) Martin of Pasco, Washington. Darren Barger of Ben Wheeler, Texas, and Bill (Riley) Barger of Marysville, Washington. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Hannah, Isabella, John & Micaiah Martin, Evan & Gunner Martin, and Landon Barger. Stella also leaves behind several cousins, nephews and nieces along with a host of friends who played an important role in her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Barger, sisters: Eileene Johnson and Edith Bumguardner, brother, Quaife Fischer, and son-in-law, John Martin.
A memorial service to celebrate Stella’s life will be held this Saturday April 11th at 1pm at The Vintage Apartments, 1001 East Marine View Drive, Everett Washington, 98201. The service will be held in the main floor activities room.