Paula Korene (Barker) Prettyman, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away on December 4, 2024, in Kennewick, Washington, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and strength that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. To many, she was a second mother figure, a fierce protector, a savior, and an unwavering source of support. Paula's unmatched work ethic and her commitment to giving herself to others defined her remarkable life.

Paula was born in Twin Falls, Idaho but grew up in Othello, Washington and eventually moved to the Tri-Cities where she called home for the majority of her life. Paula worked for Benton Franklin Transit from approximately 1990 to 2010.

A devoted single mother to four daughters, Christyne and triplets Adrianne, Nichole and Carly, which grew to five during the summer of 1998 when her triplet daughters were 13 and they welcomed Erin, the same age, into their home. Those joyful spring and summer breaks spent at Paula's house became a sanctuary, a welcome reprieve from the streets of Portland for Erin. Through Paula's kindness and thoughtfulness, Erin grew deep bonds with the triplets and was no longer just a friend but family.

As the end of summer approached that year, Paula and her daughters invited Erin to stay and live with them. This gesture altered the course of Erin's life forever. Paula opened her home and heart, embracing Erin as one of her own.

Alongside her warmth came her wisdom; she was intelligent and insightful, always ready to help navigate the challenges of life—whether it was graduating, applying for college, or preparing for the world beyond. Paula provided a reliable and comforting presence, always there to offer advice or simply listen when needed.

As our lives evolved and we became mothers, Paula's unwavering support continued. She cared for our children, ensuring we could work with peace of mind, knowing our little ones were in loving hands. Paula cherished her role as a grandmother, and family was the cornerstone of her existence. As the matriarch of our family, she fostered an environment of love and support that united us all.

Throughout the years, we all hold countless cherished memories: from picking rotten potatoes off the conveyor belt during harvest, to the laughter and chaos of life with a house full of teenage girls, or the joy of learning to drive a manual under her watchful eye, and not to mention the shared adventures on camping trips filled with her funny and silly moments. Christyne distinctly remembers riding on the back of her 10-speed bike when she was little as another treasured memory, along with the

countless bedtime stories she read, creating special moments between the two of them.

We will always treasure the comfort of our deep conversations as we navigated the cycles of life together. From family reunions at the coast to spontaneous lunch dates and road trips, Paula was the heart of our gatherings, bringing everyone together as our families grew.

She stood by us during significant moments, from the birth of our first children to weddings and family celebrations, always ready to lend a helping hand. Over the years, Paula touched the lives of many, embodying a spirit of kindness that came naturally to her. Her resilience and stubbornness were matched only by her giving and compassionate nature. We know we are among the fortunate souls whose lives were forever changed by her love and guidance.

Paula had a deep love for the ocean, and some of our favorite memories include jumping over waves together, feeling the thrill of the surf, building sand castles, and the joy of being surrounded by nature. Her adventurous spirit was also evident in her passion for riding horses and motorbikes as a child with her siblings and cousins. These pursuits brought her immense joy and freedom. Whether galloping across open fields or cruising down a winding road, Paula embraced life with a zest that inspired

all of us to seek our own adventures and passions.

Paula Korene Prettyman was preceded in death by her father, Paul Barker and granddaughter Hannah and survived by her mother Barbara Mishkin (who has since passed as well) and her daughters Christyne Perigo and her son Nathan; Adrianne Eldridge and her husband Mike Eldridge, and their children Mackenzie, Jaden, Peyton, Arilynn, Destin, and Ella; Carly Perigo and her partner Neil Porte; Nichole Cassidy and her children Patrick and Ophelia; and Erin Dolin and her husband Jason Dolin and their children Lily and Hadley. Paula is also survived by her siblings Brenda Morgan, Lynn Zoltek, Rod Barker, Starla Dixon and longtime friend Rick Burnett.

We will be holding a celebration of life in honor of Paula on July 26, 2025 in Kennewick, Washington. Please save the date, and more information will be provided at a later time.

Paula was tremendously loved and will forever be missed. Her legacy of generosity, strength, and unwavering support lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She had a unique ability to connect with people, always engaging with them on a personal level, whether they were children or adults. Rest in peace, Mom; you will always be remembered as a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on so many lives, especially ours.