Barbara Jean Hahn

Barbara Jean Hahn passed away on August 30, 2025. Barbara, or “Boots” was the oldest of four daughters born to Bud and Lilly Bell Hand in Bremerton, Washington, on September 8, 1933. Barbara is survived by her two daughters and two son-in-laws, Cheri and Gary Lyman, and Patti and Brad Smith (all of Port Orchard). She had seven grandchildren–Garrett Lyman (Lake Oswego, OR), Kelsey Myking (Tacoma), Quincy Lyman (North Ogden, UT), Taylor Lyman (Lakewood), Kailey Martinson (Maple Valley), Lauren Owens (Spokane, and Connor Richards (Port Orchard), and fifteen great grandchildren.

After graduating from Central Kitsap High School in 1951, Barbara attended Olympic Junior College and met the love of her life, Ernest “Ernie” Hahn. After a brief courtship, they were married in Bremerton on August 29, 1952. Barbara and Ernie moved to Ellensberg so that Ernie could attend Central Washington College of Education (now Central Washington University). After Ernie graduated in 1955 with a degree in education from Central Washington, Barbara and Ernie moved to Port Orchard where they put down permanent roots and began their long and rewarding careers at South Kitsap School District.

Their children, Cheri and Patti, were born shortly after their move to Port Orchard. Family was always first with Barbara and Ernie. Together they were role models in the home as well as outside of it. Barbara was an exceptional seamstress–creating award winning quilts, dresses for Homecomings, and weddings; she was an accomplished baker–baking breads, rolls, and cookies every week. She donated time at church and schools–she made pillowcases, wall hangings, place mats for others. And she loved to garden. Gardening was just another of her many passions. She also loved to play tennis, snow ski and water ski, and go camping and fishing with the family and friends. Barbara thrived at home and later became the voice of South Kitsap School District. She was the district receptionist for over two decades–she was warm, welcoming, and so positive with parents, students, and staff. Barbara adored working along side the superintendents, principals, and support staff. She was always cheerful and outgoing. She touched countless lives beyond her home; she brightened every room with her smile, joy, and enthusiasm.

Ernie, Barbara’s husband of almost 70 years (deceased in 2021), was at times considered legendary, but his legend was largely in part due to Barbara and her dazzling spirit and unstoppable energy. Kelsey, a granddaughter, noted that “both had quite a few fans individually but together they were a DREAM TEAM.” First committed to God and each other, they were exceptional parents, amazing grandparents, compassionate teachers, and both outgoing community members.

Barbara will be missed. We will miss her contributions to family, friends, and the Port Orchard community. We mourn, but we are comforted in knowing that she is in the Lord’s embrace and dancing joyfully in the kingdom of Heaven.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Elim Lutheran Church, Port Orchard, Saturday, September 27, at 1:00 pm.