Barbara Bayha

Barbara Joanne (Schumacher) Bayha, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Gig Harbor, WA., beheld in deep love by her family and closest friends.

Born on July 13th, 1944 in Prosser, WA., Barbara lived a life defined by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. She was deeply loved for her role as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and devoted friend. Barbara brought love and care into every space of her life. She lived a life of meaningful connections, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Barbara is lovingly survived by her husband, Carl Bayha; daughter Jenny Bayha and her husband, Shawn Brame; daughter Karey Bayha Regala and her husband, Jon Regala; son Paul Bayha and his wife, Kristi Matsuda Bayha; grandchildren Christopher and Izzy Bayha; and her only remaining sibling, Robert Schumacher, along with many other dear family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Barbara was preceded in death by many of her loved ones including her parents Martin and Barbara Schumacher, her elder brothers William Schumacher, Julius Schumacher, Blasius Schumacher and Eugene Schumacher, her elder sisters Isadorie Burrus, Marcella Burkhart and Ramona Virginia Zeni and is now reunited with them in peace. We pray her soul is held with God and all the angels, in addition to the arms of those that have been waiting for her to join them in the kingdom of heaven.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her bright smile, contagious laughter, generosity, "hostess of the mostest" skills, devotion to helping children, the hungry and animals, and the way she made others feel truly seen and cared for. She had a passion for cooking, art, playing piano, tending to her flowers, enjoying her backyard birds and frogs and regaling memories of the places in the country and world she was able to travel and explore. Barbara was a military spouse and mother. She carried her family and community with quiet authority during her husband’s service, leading with grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion in his absence. As a respected military wife and mother, she strengthened morale, guided other wives, and upheld the dignity and traditions of a deeply honored environment through her selfless leadership and care.

Her greatest purpose was the time, care and energy that she shared with her children and her husband. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

A service will be held at Mount Tahoma National Cemetery located at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042 on Friday February 6th, 2026 at 11:15am.

(PLEASE NOTE: The service starts promptly at 11:15am and ends at 11:45. Please arrive to the cemetery NO LATER than 11:00am to check in and get in the correct car lane where we will be escorted to the appropriate shelter on site.)

Following will be a celebration of life at Anthony’s Restaurant in Des Moines located at 421 S. 227th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

(PLEASE NOTE: FEEL FREE TO CHOOSE EITHER OR BOTH EVENTS BASED ON YOUR COMFORT AND TIME). If you decide to join us at Anthony's for the reception, please rsvp to Jenny at 253-431-2959 with the number of attendees.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes and asks for donations to Fish Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Humane Society, The Michael J. Fox Foundation or any other acts of kindness honoring Barbara’s generous heart and mission to leave this world a kinder place.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved and kept alive in our fondest of memories.