ROE, Barbara

Arizona Daily Star, 2 May 2009 Barbara Garfitt Roe Tucson resident since 1975 died Saturday, April 4, 2009. Born Lincoln, Nebraska September 19, 1916 daughter of William Garfitt and Barbara Wighton McGuire Garfitt. Predeceased by parents, sister Catharine Garfitt Larkin and husband, Arthur Roe (1993). Survived by sons, Bill (Alice), Nick (Gail) and Neill; grandchildren, Barbara Madley (Ben), Henry (Laura), Nathan and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Eleanor and nieces, Linda Larkin Arwood (George), Heather Larkin Fredrickson and Barbara Joan Larkin Sulzenko-Laurie (Nate) and their families. Barbara graduated Oak Park and River Forest H.S. in 1934. Active in H.S. she would be remembered as singing "the Three Little Pigs" with other classmates bringing down the house at packed dress rehearsals and performances in 1933 when the Disney movie released. Graduated Northwestern University 1938, president Mortar Board, member TriDelts, International Relations Club, president YWCA and a brief stint on stage to sing "Stars Fell on Alabama" at a Chicago night club. She worked for Northwestern in admissions until marrying Arthur in July 1939. They lived in Champaign/Urbana two years where she wore some of the first nylon stockings loaned for testing by the DuPont Company. For 18 years in Chapel Hill, N.C. she was a volunteer in the hospital gift shop and organized functions for the UNC chemistry department. In Washington, DC Barbara was president of the Eistophos Society (science women) and volunteered at the Washington Hospital Center where she helped run the gift shop, enjoyed being shop buyer and served on the board of WHC. She worked in the ER for years. In Tucson Barbara was active at the Tucson Medical Center gift shop, surgery lobby and the TMC Board. She was one of the last five surviving members of the Birthday Club. She loved working for the Tucson Women's Club and was a member of PEO Chapter BH. Barbara and Arthur both worked with the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society and entertained micromounters who came to Tucson for the Gem and Mineral Show. She was a docent at the Desert Museum. Barbara loved to laugh, play bridge and Scrabble and help others. She was a great cook, party giver, party goer and a good friend. Above all she would want to be remembered as a good sport! The family thanks staff at La Rosa Skilled Nursing and staff at Nursefinders. Memorial service: St. Philip's Episcopal Church (River and Campbell) Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. reception following. Please no flowers; contributions to the Tucson Women's Club, 6245 E. Bellevue Ave., Tucson, AZ 85712 or Cottey College project of PEO (PEO Chapter BH Treasurer Irma Milks, 5330 N. Grey Mountain Trail, Tucson, AZ 85750). Barbara felt strongly that Cottey College gives women a chance to go on in their education - women who otherwise might not have that chance.