Barbara F. Quest

Barbara went to heaven on the morning of June 11th.  Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota she was the first child for Clayton and Edna (Rousu) Buzzell.  The family moved many times between Minnesota and Oregon, Mom likes to share that they lived in her aunt’s cow pasture in a tent when they moved to Oregon.  Barbara went to many schools in Salem and graduated from Salem High School in 1954.

Barbara began working after high school and found herself living in Portland and California before coming back to Salem.  She met Dale Quest in 1971 and married him shortly after.  Together they had children, Sara (Brent) Matthews and James “Jim” Quest. 

Barb loved Jesus, her family and animals.  She enjoyed camping and fishing, and especially loved the Metolious River where the family enjoyed many camping trips.  She loved fiercely!  She was a feisty woman with a huge heart of gold.  Barbara dedicated her life to raising her kids.  She carpooled, was a room mother, and always welcomed her kid’s friends into the family home.  She will be sorely missed.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale, and nephew Kevin.  She is survived by her children, brother Bruce (Ginger) Buzzell, sister Mary (Alan) Slater, Brother-in-law Lawrence (Sylvia) Quest and her nieces and nephews who meant the world to her. 

Mom also loved her caregiver, Dawna.  Thank you for walking with us on this journey the last several years, we would not have been able to do it without you.  We also want to thank New Horizons and especially Sunny, who were so helpful these last couple months.

Burial will be private at Willamette National Cemetery with her husband Dale.  A memorial service is planned for 11:00 June 24, 2021, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with a reception immediately following.  In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the ASPCA.