Claudia Marie (Apeland) Barnes

Born on April 27, 1942, Seattle, WA to Helen and Lewis Apeland.

Died on August 23, 2025, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

First marriage: January 14, 1967 to Raymond R. Anderson; They had two daughters, Yvonne Anderson, born on 5/22/1972 and Jane (Anderson) Ballenger, born on 1/9/1978.

Divorced: January 7, 1985.

2nd Marriage: July 27, 1996, to Layne G. Barnes

Claudia is survived by her 2nd husband, Layne Barnes; daughter Yvonne Anderson, daughter Jane Ballenger; son-in-law Bryan Ballenger; two grandchildren - Tyler (+ Alysann - fiancé) and Abby; precious Violet Ray, her first great grandchild; her two sisters -- Betty Ann Westlund, Janet Barlow, brother in-law Larry Barlow; and a ton more family members on all sides of the family. She is also survived by five grand dogs, a grand cat, grand turtle, and a grand lizard. She loved them all.

Claudia was an amazing Norwegian Viking, a very social person, and active in the community. She loved her family, kids, grandchildren, great-grandchild and friends. She was a kind, loving, religious gentle soul with the most beautiful welcoming smile ever. She enjoyed camping, canoeing, clogging, square dancing, bicycling (2 STPs), hiking, horseback-riding, softball, soccer, chair yoga, leisurely drives, traveling, Seahawks and especially the Seattle Mariners. Despite increasing health challenges Claudia continued to pursue life with courage and determination until the end. When she could still use her rollator walker, she even managed a 2+ mile walk for charity - slow but steady won the race. She did not want to stop living ever, even after she was finally diagnosed with ALS.

Claudia started working at People's Bank before she was married then stopped to raise her family as was common in the 60's and 70's. Later in life, she went back to school and earned an Associates of Arts Degree and went directly to work at Boeing on the B-2 Project, followed by other divisions always as an Administrative Professional. She was active in her Church and in numerous Bible Study groups.

Grandma / Mom / Claudia was an amazing person who was beautiful inside and out. She was always there for all of us. She may have been active and her calendar full, but she made time for all who needed her. Our family was truly lucky to have spent time with her on a cruise to Fiji and Australia in the precious last days of her life. Days that we are forever grateful for! A truly positive person, she may be gone from this world, but her spirit and mark left on all of us will stay forever, the memories, the laughs, and even the tears.

You will always be missed, but never ever forgotten.

We love you!

Please consider making a donation to the ALS Association at www.als.org

Sign Claudia's Guest Book found at the Guest Book tab above.