Barbara Louise Platt

Barbara Louise (Bowman) Platt

Barbara Louise (Bowman) Platt, 93, of Pilot Rock died May 15, 2025, at her home on Upper McKay Creek in Pilot Rock, Oregon, surrounded by her family.  Pendleton Pioneer Chapel Folsom-Bishop is overseeing arrangements. 

Barbara was born November 6, 1931, to Levi Thomas Bowman and Ruby Opal (Wilson) Bowman in Pierce, Colorado. After Colorado, the family lived in Nebraska for a short time before ending up in Pendleton, Oregon. Mom told stories of returning to Nebraska as a child, about the tremendous dust storms there, and their return to Oregon. Barbara attended school in Pendleton, quitting school to go to work to help support the family after her father returned from World War II, where he was a Prisoner of War.

While working at Pendleton Woolen Mills, she met a handsome young man, Wayne Platt, who would later become her husband and life partner in 1951, until his death in 1995. At 20 years old, Barbara arrived at McKay Creek as a newlywed, settling in with Wayne’s father, Zeb, and his brother, Vern. Living in the countryside meant going without electricity and running water for some time. In 1980, they relocated just a mile from their original home, where they continued to build a life centered around family, cattle ranching, raising hay and wheat, deer and elk hunting, and
summers at the cabin. For 74 years, the ranch was her home.

Following Wayne’s passing, Barbara embraced learning to drive and earning her license at 67. She found joy in tending to her yard, surrounded by the irises and roses she adored. Her love for birds, especially hummingbirds and quail, brought her endless delight. More than anything, she cherished attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events. She enjoyed national sports as well, whether it was catching a Mariners game or tuning into other sports. Barbara remained deeply involved in hunting seasons for many years, treasuring the time spent with family during those special moments. She always saw life and beauty in things, especially seeing baby calves born early in the year. In later years, she would often call and let us know to check on a cow who looked to be calving in the pasture around her home.

Barbara is survived by her children Wayne Platt Jr., Flossie (David) Keeler, Dale Platt, Steven (Melinda) Platt, Sherri (Craig) Sipp, 12 Grandchildren: Marty Platt, Kristie (Ryan) Magill, Nancy (Robert) Vert, Sarah (Liz) Keeler, Brent (Anne) Keeler, Zeb (Leah) Platt, Zane (Shoko) Platt, Katie (Glen) Saul, Terrel (Lauren) Platt, Amber (Ryan) Dowell, Casi (Duston) Lee, and Kenneth Sipp. She had 17 Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandson; Brother Levi (Candy) Bowman Jr, Sisters Audrey Craigen and Janet Slaughter; numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; Husband Wayne Platt, Sr.; Brother Samuel Bowman, Sisters Phyllis Murphy and Florence Power.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate in her honor and memory would be encouraged to do so to Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) Foundation (2411 NW Carden Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801) for a scholarship in Memory of Wayne and Barbara Platt Family, or the Umatilla County Cattlemen’s Association- Scholarship Fund (PO Box 501, Pendleton, OR 97801) or charity of your choice in care of Pioneer Chapel Folsom-Bishop, Pendleton, OR.

A memorial service will be held at Olney Cemetery on June 7, at 11 A.M. with the celebration of life gathering at noon at the Roy Raley Room, Pendleton Round Up Grounds.