CHURCH
Barbara E.
September 17, 1936 - June 9, 2018
Barbara was born September 17, 1936 in Vancouver, B.C. to J. Thomas Johnston and Ruby M. (Gourley) Johnston. She passed away the morning of June 9, 2018 surrounded by family. She leaves behind her three daughters: Patricia Villasenor (John Webb), Pamela Church and Carolyn Church (Beth Wemple); four grandchildren: Micaela Villasenor (Christian), Elizabeth Jones (Cody), Jonathan Villasenor (Jenea) and Maria Cano Church; as well as 6 great-grandchildren: Rylan and Cohen Sunnes, Zoey and Colson Villasenor, Rhett Jones and Julieta Valdez-Villasenor. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rosalie Fawcett, ex-husband Charles Church and son-in-law Juan Villasenor. Barbara grew up in a houseboat in a logging camp north of Vancouver where the family would sometimes find themselves adrift when the house broke away from its mooring. The family also lived in the Vancouver metro area during her youth. She became a nurse before marrying Charles Church in 1961, embracing farm life in rural Alberta until the family moved to the Fraser Valley of B.C. and ultimately to Yamhill County, OR. She worked at McMinnville Community Hospital and Friendsview Manor in Newberg for several years before retiring in 1996. Mom was a sweet, sometimes feisty spirit who adored animals, her family, the beach and all things Christmas. If so desired,memorial contributions can be made to Meals On Wheels in her honor. She had been both a volunteer for several years and ultimately, a grateful recipient. Many thanks from the family to Providence Newberg staff, Faith in Action, Brighton Hospice and Meals on Wheels. You all helped make her last days more comfortable, peaceful and happy. She will be dearly missed by all of us. An informal celebration of life Open House memorial gathering will be held for Barbara E. Church of Dundee, OR at her home from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018. A sharing time by family will commence at 1:00 p.m. Call Carolyn at 503-453-7809 for details/directions.
