Barbara Zurbrugg

Barbara (Hornell) Zurbrugg passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family just before dawn on Nov 21, 2011 at Hospice of Kitsap County in East Bremerton. She was born July 12, 1928 in Everett, WA to Tony and Juanita Jensen. She attended schools in Arizona and Washington including Annie Wright. She was the granddaughter of former Washington State Representative Daniel Luther Guisinger (Inez). Her Uncle Daniel Luther Guisinger Jr (Genevieve) was killed at the age of 19 on the USS Oklahoma when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941. She was preceded in death by her parents Juanita and Tony Jensen who once owned Tony Jensen Plywood in Gorst and who built many homes in Kitsap County. He built many homes on Kitsap Lake, one especially for his wife Juanita. They later moved to Arizona for their health. Barbara was also preceded in death by a much loved son-in-law John William Thompson in 2007. Barbara is survived by Gerald Zurbrugg and stepsons James and Bobby Zurbrugg of Bremerton; her son Erich F. (Rick Hornell) Felton, Jr and Sarah of Las Vegas; daughter Toni (Hornell) Thompson , and Kelly (Hornell) Bringle (Ron) of Bremerton; grandchildren Brandon John Thompson (Tanya) of Bremerton and Gena Felton Tucker (Russell) of Wasilla, AK; great grandchildren Brandon David, Cobain Lee and Layla Joan Thompson of Bremerton, Johnathan Riley Thompson of Poulsbo, and Lane Tucker of Wasilla, AK. Barbara was deeply loved by family and friends. She worked hard starting as a hostess seating people at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre. She loved music which we all inherited. She sang jazz in local clubs and also sang in a local group called The Fourmosts with Dr. Ralph Mutchler, local musician Cap Demaro and Stephan Funk. She was one of Kitsap's finest mixologists working for Arnie Lund at the Hearthstone and Sam Fitz establishments, and also at the Viking House in Poulsbo. She worked as a secretary for prominent Bremerton attorney John Bishop. She then went on to work for the Bremerton Fire Department, becoming Bremerton's first woman fire inspector where she met and married Gerald (Buzz) Zurbrugg. They retired to Eastern Washington and built a beautiful home on the Kettle River in Orient, WA. She took up toll painting, basket weaving, and painting. She also took writing classes and learned sign language at the Colville Community College where she met friends that lasted the rest of her life. When the winters got too cold they traveled to their home in Ajo, AZ. She moved to Kitsap Lake these past few years to be closer to family. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. We know she is reunited now with family and friends who have gone before her. The peace that goes beyond all understanding was with our mother when she passed from this earthly realm into the waiting arms of our Dear Lord. We wish to thank all involved with mom's care from Harrison Medical Center to Hospice of Kitsap County. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude for your gracious care and concern for her comfort and dignity. We all thank you from our hearts for making mother's transition so unforgettable. God bless you all; you are truly earth's angels. We will always celebrate mom's life and will spread her ashes on her beautiful river next summer. As per her request there will be no service. If you wish to honor mom's memory, a contribution to Hospice of Kitsap County would be appreciated. Isaiah 40:31.