Barbara Chernikoff, age 84, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Barbara was born February 27, 1937, to Coleman and Virginia Crowell in Turlock, California, moved to Ketchikan, Alaska in 1959, and moved to Coupeville, Washington in 2001. She attended Fresno State College and earned a degree in Home Economics. She achieved her master’s degree in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Epsilon Chapter, PEO, League of Women Voters, and garden club. She enjoyed being active in her church community, card ministry, gardening, playing piano, volunteering in a variety of organizations, and spending time with family and friends. She square danced and participated in the national square dance competition in Seattle, Washington and she belonged to a dinner dance club in Ketchikan. She loved music, sewing, counted cross-stitch, making cards, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She married Murray Simpson and raised three children. In 1976, she married Boris Chernikoff, Jr. She taught at Houghtaling Elementary School for a total of 19-1/2 years before retiring.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Boris Chernikoff, Jr., brother Richard Crowell, sons Greg Simpson (Suzette), Doug Simpson, and daughter Lynda Simpson. Stepdaughters Edna Hagan (Alan), Debbie Kesselring (John), and stepson Robert Chernikoff (JoAnne). She has 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Barbara’s celebration of life will be on Saturday, October 16, 2021 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church 874 Plantation Drive Greenbank, WA 98253