Barbara Joanne Schumacher Bayha, 81

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 13, 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.

We pray her soul is held with God and all the angels, and in the arms of those who 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 art, playing the piano, tending to her flowers, enjoying her backyard birds and frogs, and regaling others with memories of the places across the country and around the world she was able to travel and explore. Her greatest purpose was the time, care, and energy 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.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes 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 memories.