Barbara Grafton

Seaside

Jan. 23, 1933 — July 15, 2023

Barbara Jean (Dollenbacher) Grafton, 90, passed away peacefully on July 15.

She was born on Jan. 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 on Aug. 21, 1955, in Cavour. They then settled in Art’s hometown of Seaside, 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 she retired. Then, she and Art traveled to various destinations in the U.S. and Europe, and frequently to tropical beaches.

Frying razor clams, making her infamous meatballs, 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, her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Ted Ames, of Warrenton, daughter, Jenny McCollister, of Seaside, and son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Elizabeth Grafton, of Portland; daughter-in-law, Sandy Grafton, of Bend; eight grandchildren, Kari Ames, Kevin Ames and his wife, Loren, Aimee Stanton and her husband, Kyle, Kelley Ames and his wife, Jillian, Christopher McCollister and his wife, Jennifer, Sarah Azril and her husband, Adam, Samantha Hagen and her husband, Mack, and Briauna Grafton; and 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 at 1 p.m. Aug. 27, at Ocean View Cemetery, 575 S.W. 18th St. in Warrenton. A reception will follow at the home of Tina and Ted Ames, at 940 S.E. Anchor Ave. in Warrenton. No flowers, please.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Portland.

Hughes-Ransom Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.