Born in Fort Scott, Kansas to Frazer and Iva Ison, Barbara was the youngest of 10 children, born an identical twin to Mary. Her family moved to Milton Freewater, Oregon where she grew up on an orchard. She worked hard every summer picking and canning fruit, which instilled in her the sense of hard work that she carried throughout her life.
After high school, Barbara attended the University of Idaho where she met her husband of 65 years, Larry. Upon graduation they married and moved to Portland where they began their careers and a family. Barbara taught private kindergarten at Beaverton Christian Church for over 20 years, where she also served in many volunteer roles. Upon retirement, she and Larry enjoyed winters in the southern California sun playing golf and hosting frequent visitors.
Barbara was devoted to raising her two daughters. She was also “Nanny” extraordinaire, loving every minute spent nurturing her four grandchildren. She was incredibly talented and generous; her gift of sewing kept everyone and every doll in beautiful clothes, while her creativity to paint, draw, and do crafts kept our homes beautifully decorated every season.
Golf filled decades of retirement, and she has shelves lined with trophies awarded from winning many tournaments. She and her twin Mary were an amazing duo, both on and off the golf course. Their closeness led to many holidays and vacations filled with special memories. Their “twinhood” was an unbreakable bond that family and friends marveled at over the years.
Barbara will be forever remembered for her steadfast devotion to family.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; two children, Jill Jaccard (Fred) and Joni Spencer (Jon); four grandchildren, Kate, Christina (Matt), Jillian (Shane), and Alex (Samantha); great-grandchild Margaux; twin sister Mary Baker (Duane); and a large extended family.
All are grateful for the compassionate care she received at Brightway Memory Center at Laurel Parc in Bethany Village.
A service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Beaverton Christian Church, 13600 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in loving memory of Barbara to the Barbara Morris Diabetic Fund at Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation.
https://give.providencefoundations.org/barbara-morris-diabetes-fund
For donations by mail, please use the mailing address below:
Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation
9205 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 2111, Portland, OR 97225
In loving Memory of Barbara Morris
To be restricted towards the Barbara Morris Diabetes Fund
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