DAVIS, Barbara Jean

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Barbara Jean Davis April 7, 1935 - January 21, 2014 Barbara Jean Davis, beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was joyously welcomed home by the Lord. She uniquely touched the lives of all those she knew, with her warm smile, compassionate heart, and loving soul. Barbara was born on a farm in Lebanon, OR, on April 7, 1935. She was born at home, delivered by her father. She grew up in Oregon with her four brothers and one sister, in several different cities. At the age of thirteen, her mother Freda was unexpectedly called home to the Lord. By the age of 17, she had met and married LaVern “Vern” Davis, and they enjoyed 39 years of happiness together. They raised five children – three sons and two daughters – in Salem, Oregon. Barbara’s fond memories included many family outdoor and camping trips, and BBQ and picnics with family and friends. Holidays were special times for her, and she always created a wonderful and fun atmosphere. She especially loved surrounding herself with family and friends to celebrate every holiday. Easter would find Barbara creating either floral displays or decorated cakes for the church celebrations. During the Christmas season, her home was decorated inside and out to the delight of her family. After the demands of raising her family were behind her, she found time to expand and share her creative gifts with others. These included: Director of her church Kindergarten, teaching herself the art of cake decoration and later teaching those skills at the local junior college, learning to oil paint and painting many beautiful landscapes and floral works, relaxing by doing crochet and knitting, including beautiful crocheted baby blankets for her grandchildren, earning awards and recognition as and Avon representative while at the same time making life-long friends, opening her home for child daycare, whose parents and children still remain close. As Barbara’s and Vern’s retirement grew nearer, they purchased some property outside of Bend, Oregon, and eventually built a home and retired there. Sadly, her beloved husband was called to the Lord only after a few months into their retirement. However, as her journey continued, Barbara surrounded herself with her new church family from the Sunriver Community Bible Church. She babysat for small children of church family members for the next 10 years. Through the generosity of unknown benefactors from the Sunriver church, she was given the dream-fulfilling gifts of two trips overseas – to Germany and the Holy Land. Her trip to the Holy Land served to deepen her faith and love in Jesus Christ. She lived that faith and love every day of her life, and was a shining example to every person who knew her and met her. In 2001, Barbara moved to Oro Valley, AZ, to live with her daughter Cindy, and her family. She became an active member of Casas Church in Tucson, AZ, participating in her Sunday School classes and making long-lasting friendships. While living in Arizona, she enjoyed several trips back to Oregon, had the joy of seeing three of her grandchildren grow up, overcame breast cancer, endured one shoulder and two knee and replacement surgeries – earning her the nickname “Bionic Grams” - all while remaining the same loving, caring, and faithful woman we all loved. The last few years were spent in assisted living homes near her Arizona family. In her final weeks, Barbara was visited by her children, grandchildren, and brother-in-law. These visits filled her heart with joy, and eased her pain. The Lord called Barbara home shortly after midnight on Jan. 21, 2014. She was ready for her journey to be with our Lord, and she happily looked forward to reunite with those who preceded her passing. Her faith, hope, and love were a shining example for all who knew her. She will remain a treasure in our memories throughout our lives.