Barbara Kathryn Youren

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Kathryn Youren, who left this world peacefully on February 9, 2026. Barbara was a beacon of kindness and compassion in the lives of all who knew her.

Born in Okinawa, Japan, on a leap year day, February 29, 1952, Barbara was the daughter of James Robert Burns and Joan Burns. Her early years were marked by a sense of adventure and curiosity, traits that would guide her through a life of remarkable achievement and service.

Growing up in Clay Center, Kansas where she graduated second in her class. She excelled in drama and debate. Barb's went on to a distinguished college career, first at Kansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, graduating Cum Laude. Her passion for helping others then led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas, where she became a registered nurse. Barbara further advanced her medical career by becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of North Dakota.

Her commitment to healthcare was unwavering. Barbara dedicated her professional life to serving community health clinics, working at Terry Reilly Health Services, Valley Family Health Care, and St. Luke's Internal Medicine. Her colleagues remember her as a dedicated professional whose selflessness and dignity shone brightly in her work.

A new member of the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Salem, Oregon, Barbara lived her faith through acts of service and compassion. Her kindness was not just a quality but a way of life, influencing all who crossed her path. Barbara's personal life was a testament to the love and joy she brought to those around her.

She met the love of her life, Joseph E. Youren, while hosting a dinner for her fellow nurse practitioner friends. They married on June 12, 1982, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned four decades. Barbara was a loving mother to their son, Joseph W. "Jake" Youren, and a cherished sister to her brother, Jim Burns.

Barbara leaves behind her devoted husband, Joseph E. Youren, her son, Jake Youren, and her brother, Jim Burns, who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. Her love, laughter, and light will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Barbara's life will take place on March 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, located at 1444 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302. Family, friends, and all whose lives she touched are invited to attend and honor her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Planned Parenthood, an organization Barbara passionately supported throughout her life.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, we hold onto the love and warmth she shared with the world. Barbara Kathryn Youren lived a life full of purpose and grace, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication that will continue to inspire us all.