Bev Bruins (67), a long-time resident of Kitsap County, passed away unexpectedly on May 20, 2024 at her home in Bremerton, Washington.

Beverly Rae Barnet was born on December 31, 1956 in Portland, Oregon. She attended school in Kirkland, Washington, graduating from Lake Washington High School. She loved travel, new experiences, and was always planning her next great adventure.

Bev worked in the window treatment business for years, including running her own “Window Wardrobe” company. She also worked with kids at Green Mountain Elementary for 22 years, allowing her to teach kids basic reading and math skills during the day and helping people with color and decorating ideas for their windows after school hours.

She loved to play games and never learned a game of cards she didn’t like. Cards, when she wasn’t playing them she was making them, for all occasions and generally over the top in detail and color. She considered herself a mermaid and could hardly wait for her next snorkeling adventure. Any opportunity to dress up was a welcome opportunity to show off her endless collection of necklaces.

Bev and husband Rob have been active members of the Bremerton Yacht Club and boaters since 1985. Bev was quick to tell people that the three years that they spent representing BYC with the Grand 14 were the most fun three years of her life. Bev loved her BYC family, she really enjoyed her time as the chairperson for new members so she could show off BYC and its facilities and meet all the new members.

Bev was preceded in death by both of her parents, Shirley Burtla and James Barnet. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Rob Bruins, and their children Jennifer Sheffler and Jill Johnsen, her sister Becky Barnet and brother Steve Barnet.

She adored all six of her grandchildren, twins Andrew and Austin Sheffler (12), Tillie Johnsen (7), Kallen Sheffler (6), Cy Johnsen (4), and Tahoe Johnsen (2).

Friends note they will miss her bright smile, positivity, and enthusiasm for making things happen. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and included at events. She always said goodbye with a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and a shared “I love you.” She will be greatly missed.