Iris Zimmerman
Iris Zimmerman
Iris Zimmerman
Iris Zimmerman

Obituary of Iris Joy Zimmerman

Iris Joy Zimmerman, age 75, died peacefully on December 13, 2018 in Yelm, Washington. Iris lived up to her namesake as she was a “Joy” to all who know her.  Iris had an infectious laugh that could be recognized from across a crowded room and you could not help but smile when you heard it! 

She was born April 11, 1943 to parents Theron and Pauline (Kusler) Brumbaugh of Marysville, Washington. Iris came from a large extended family with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Family meant everything to Iris. In 1958, she married Jimmy A. Barnes and their eight-year union was blessed with two daughters.

In 1967, Iris married James R. Zimmerman, blending their two families.  They moved to Alaska where they homesteaded in the Matanuska Valley.  It was a labor of love building a house from the ground up.  Iris learned how to DIY and upcycle items.  She enjoyed going to garage sales and thrift stores, looking for treasures. They went on to use their construction skills to flip many homes over the years.  Iris and Jim were entrepreneurs, operating various businesses, always hoping to make it big. Iris’ favorite career was as a preschool teacher.  She loved being surrounded by children - to let her inner child out, sing silly songs, and play the day away!

Iris was a very talented seamstress; she belonged to a sewing club.  Iris liked to design wearable art; several of her garments were featured in magazines, including the “Hankie Coat” she made for her aunt Duvella.  Iris also enjoyed gardening, flying kites, traveling, listening to music, and dancing. 

She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  Iris cherished every moment she spent with her family.  She is survived by her daughters, Melody and Wendy; stepson, Bobby Zimmerman; as well as 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her parents, two of her brothers, stepdaughter, and her loving husband of 39 years.  They were waiting to greet her at heaven’s gates with open arms.  Iris once said that her joy was in providing for others. She will be remembered for her kindness and generous spirit. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Easthaven Villa for their attentiveness and loving care to Iris during her stay there.

A graveside service will be held at the Tahoma National Cemetery located at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042. 

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Interment

Tahoma National Cemetery Kent, Washington
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