Diana Barnes Obituary

Diana Mae Scritchfield-Barnes, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Lacey, Washington, at the age of 53.
Born on January 9, 1972, in Grants Pass, Oregon, to Sherry Ann Smith and Dan Raymond Scritchfield, Diana grew up with a clear and unwavering dream: to become a mother. It was a dream she fulfilled with grace, resilience, and boundless love. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she poured her heart into nurturing each of them.
Diana faced life's challenges with courage and strength. She earned her GED after leaving high school early to welcome her first daughter, Amanda, into the world. She later married and divorced Dwayne Youngmon, then built a life and family with Donald J. Barnes, with whom she shared the joy of raising children and the heartbreak of loss. Together they welcomed Kayla, who passed away at just two months old, and Tawnee. Their son, Christian, was lost before birth. Though their relationship ended, Diana's devotion to her children never wavered.
In time, she married Steve E. Barnes, and though they could not have children together, their hearts were full. Through surrogacy, they welcomed twin daughters, Katelyn and Kelsey, and built a loving family together. Steve's passing in 2011 was a devastating loss, but Diana carried his memory with her always.
Diana loved deeply and experienced loss more than most. Over the years, she shared her life with several partners, including Alphonse Tardif Sr. and Tyler Finch, each of whom she cared for and grieved when they passed. In 2020, a new chapter began when she reconnected with a dear friend, David Buchanan Sr., who had recently lost his wife. Their friendship blossomed into a gentle and joyful love. Diana and David were each other's comfort and second chance, and though he passed in 2023, their time together brought her profound happiness.
Professionally, Diana worked for many years as a real estate appraiser for A.L. Tardif Sr. & Associates. She was dedicated, hardworking, and respected by her colleagues. Outside of work, she loved the outdoors - fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, and searching for arrowheads in the desert were some of her favorite pastimes, especially in her younger years.
In later life, when health challenges limited her mobility, Diana found connection and joy in the digital world. She became an active and beloved presence on social media, joining groups where she offered kindness, humor, and unwavering support to others. Her warm spirit touched many, and her thoughtful words were a source of comfort to friends and strangers alike.
At her core, Diana was a nurturer - humble, selfless, and full of love. She was the heart of her family, the one who held everyone together. Her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family knew her as a steady presence, a soft place to land, and a fierce source of unconditional love.
Diana is survived by her daughters: Amanda Youngmon, Tawnee Barnes, Katelyn Barnes, and Kelsey Barnes; and her grandchildren: Jordan Crawford, Heartlynn Johanson, Aurora Baker, and Haxston McConnell. She is also survived by her brothers Dwayne Scritchfield, Doug Scritchfield, Jake Ellis, and Joshua Gabriel; and her sisters Danielle Scritchfield, Jessica Wallis, Skylyn Napier, Pamela Aalgard, and Betsy Garrigus.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve Barnes; her children, Kayla Barnes and Christian Barnes; her parents, Dan Scritchfield and Sherry McCoy; and her sister, Scoti Hoadley, who passed just two days after Diana - a loss that speaks to the profound bond they shared.
Diana's life was one of great love, deep resilience, and quiet strength. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with hearts full of gratitude for the light she gave so freely.
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