Barbara A. Crnkovich, 89

It is with deep love and sadness that we share the passing of Barbara Ann Crnkovich, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Barbara, 89, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 29, in Kirkland, Wash., among family and caregivers. 

Barbara married her true love and soulmate, Ivan Crnkovich, on June 10, 1961, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned 53 years. Introduced by her close friend at the time, Kathryn (Babe) Crnkovich, the youngest of six siblings, to Ivan. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, fun, and unwavering commitment. 

Barbara spent much of her life in Idaho, moving to Coeur d’Alene as a young girl, where she attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy. During her youth, she was honored as a contestant in the very first Miss Coeur d’Alene pageant in 1954, an early reflection of her grace and outgoing personality that she carried throughout her life. Barbara grew up in Coeur d’Alene, but it was Mullan that became her true home, where she raised her family and lived much of her life. She cherished the close-knit community and lifelong friendships she built there. Her connection to family, friends, and neighbors in Mullan remained one of the most important parts of her life.

As her daughters grew older, she began working as the City Clerk of Mullan, where she became a trusted and familiar presence in the community. She cherished the time with her Pinnacle Club, fondly known as “the Hummers.” A spirited group of lifelong friends who meant the world to her and brought her countless laughs and unforgettable memories. Barbara maintained a wide and meaningful network of friends throughout her life. She found satisfaction from everyday activities such as walking, spending time outdoors, and maintaining her yard and flowers, which demonstrated the warmth and style she exuded at home and to her community.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Shelly Williams) Crnkovich of Auburn, Wash.; Barbara “Bobbie” Crnkovich (Perry) Smith of Redmond, Wash.; and Laura (Tom) Spalla of Chicago, Ill.; her cherished grandchildren, Parker and Demi Spalla; her siblings, Jim (Mineko) Makovec and Margaret (Chuck) Elyard, brother-in-law Steve Crnkovich, sister-in-law Violet Crnkovich, and sister-in-law Julie Crnkovich, wife of the late Frank Crnkovich, and many nieces and nephews. Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Ivan Crnkovich, and her parents, Henry and Laurabelle Makovec. 

Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in all who knew her.

Contributions in her memory may be directed to either of the following organizations. Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org, 225 N Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or the City of Mullan Community Foundation, P.O. Box 472, Mullan, ID 83846.