Barbara Newell, 89, died Aug. 17, 2009, in Creswell Ore., at home due to age-related causes.

She was born Aug. 14, 1920, in San Francisco to Tom and Mary (Williams) Eldridge.

Her memorial service for California relatives and friends will be held Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Graeagle Fire Station Community Center, 7620 Highway 89, Graeagle.

Her memorial service in Oregon, officiated by Pastor Dave Stram, was held at Creswell Church of Christ Sept. 3.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Tom of Discovery Bay, and Herb Jr. of Creswell, Ore.; also her daughter, Mary Smith of Fair Oaks. Her daughter Virginia Wilson preceded her in death in 1999.

Her husband, Herbert E. Newell, preceded her in death in 1999. She was married to him for over 53 years.

Barbara had 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with 2 great-grandchildren on the way.

Barbara graduated from Oakland High School and then attended college in San Francisco .

As a homemaker raising four kids for many years in San Leandro, she then went into active retirement with her husband in 1973 to retreat to the mountain cabin outside of Blairsden, where she lived for 27 years and played golf, bowling and helped her husband with the Feather River Jazz Band. She also participated at the Plumas Hospital Hospice and worked as a CNA Volunteer.

She was a Docent for the State Park at Johnsville, and received the Docent of the year award in 2000. In 2001 she purchased her son's (Herb Jr.) residence in Creswell, Ore., and lived there for seven years and lived one year in Assisted living facilities.

Any contributions may be made to the Creswell Church of Christ, P.O. Box 365, Creswell, Ore., 97426.

She also would have you support your local Humane Society, she loved animals.

Her family wants to thank Dr. Richard Hansen and everyone who has made a difference in her life especially during the sunset years.