Barbara Venables, 87, of Florence, Oregon, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day. She was a daughter, niece, wife, friend, and mother of seven. Barbara was a grandmother of 15, great grandmother of 18, and a great-great grandmother of one. Family was of utmost importance to her.
She was gentle, loving, empathetic, strong, and firm in raising her family.
She was born to Ernest and Elsie Damon of Los Angeles, California. She was always a bright and outgoing and had a special relationship with her Aunt Cecelia, who preceded her in death.
Barbara attended Catholic schools until she graduated at 17. She became a mother for the first time in 1954.
She was admired for her stoic work ethics, working as a checker with Alpha Beta Markets in California, Safeway Stores in Salem, Oregon and Silverton, Oregon, and as a teller with Maps Credit Union.
Barbara loved working in the yard with her roses; her favorite was the “Double Delight.” She was a lover of country music, dancing, animals and birds. In her early retirement she became a foster parent for people with disabilities. She loved her foster daughter, Ginni, deeply.
She retired to Mercer Lake Resort in Florence with her husband Dick. They spent their days fishing, boating, camping, and gathering with new/old friends and family.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Eastman, and five of her children, Roberta Julienne, Barbara Meyers, Bill Hodson, Stephen Hodson and Donald Hodson. Having to bury her children was a heavy burden that she carried in her heart every day. Barbara was admired for her strength and love for family.
She is survived by her daughters Cheri (Steve) Qualey, Rebecca Christine (Dean) Oster, and companion Mark Nichols, as well as Sadie, her beloved dog.
As requested there will be no services. In lieu of flowers donations in her name can be made to Oregon Coast Humane Society at www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org.
