Barbara Grafton

Barbara Jean Grafton, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2023. She was born January 23, 1933 in Cavour, South Dakota to Francis and Lillian (Knouse) Dollenbacher. After graduating from nursing school, Barbara moved to Oregon where she met the love of her life, Arthur Grafton, Jr.  Barbara and Art married August 21, 1955 in Cavour, South Dakota then settled in Art’s home town of Seaside, Oregon where they raised their family of four children and lived together for the rest of their lives. Barbara liked tending to her flowers, keeping her home looking sharp and watching Blazers and Mariners games. Her nursing career spanned over 40 years before retiring, then she and Art traveled to various destinations in the U.S. and Europe and frequently to tropical beaches. Frying razor clams and making her infamous meat balls, playing rummy, handing out special surprises after the big egg hunt, finding the perfect gifts for everyone, giving lipstick smooches on the cheek, and standing on the front porch waving goodbye until whoever was leaving was out of sight, were just a few of the memories that made her the best Grammie ever. She was a lady with style and class and loved her family with all her heart.

Barbara is survived by three children: Daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Ted Ames of Warrenton, Oregon; daughter, Jenny McCollister of Seaside, Oregon; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Elizabeth Grafton of Portland, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Sandy Grafton of Bend, Oregon. Eight grandchildren: Kari Ames; Kevin Ames and wife, Loren; Aimee Stanton and husband, Kyle; Kelley Ames and wife, Jillian; Christopher McCollister and wife, Jennifer; Sarah Azril and husband, Adam; Samantha Hagen and husband, Mack; Briauna Grafton. Eight great grandchildren: Amara, Eva, Grayson, Carson, Wednesday, Everleigh, Tripp and Charlotte. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Grafton, Jr., their son, Jeffrey Grafton, and son-in-law, Sid McCollister. A graveside service will be held Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery, 575 SW 18^th St., Warrenton, Oregon. A reception will follow at the home of Tina and Ted Ames at 940 SE Anchor Ave, Warrenton, Oregon. No flowers please. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital in Portland, Oregon.