Barbara Jean Foster Grant went home to her Lord on Tuesday afternoon. She left peacefully, surrounded by her husband Marvin Henry Grant and her children.
Barbara lived a wonderfully full life, committed to using her innate abilities in service to others. She was loved by many.
She was exceptionally talented and effective at teaching Bible stories to children in both her church and her home. Her love of the Bible and of children, combined with her creative artistry and love of games, made the learning experience fun and memorable for generations of children in Copalis Crossing, Washington and later in Sitka, Alaska where she lived from 1965 until 2001. Her loving influence on children continued into middle age when, with her three children grown, she began work as a Preschool teacher and was proud to have earned a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Barbara loved to cook and bake which, combined with her gift of gab, made her a great hostess. Many friends, and even strangers, were invited to share meals, and she had a knack for making everyone – children, teenagers, and the elderly – feel welcome. Holiday meals were especially big events (even Valentine’s Day!) with lots of people and lots of delicious food beautifully presented.
Athough she entertained less in later years, she loved to encourage many people with inspiring words tucked inside a card. Both family and friends were often blessed by her thoughtful generosity. She enjoyed playing all kinds of games and was always up for learning a new one – maybe because she always won!
By example she taught her children to respect people of all faiths, backgrounds, and circumstances; they also learned by her example the contentment of a simple life. Material needs were minimal – it was the spiritual that mattered to her. She fervently believed in prayer.
Her loving husband “Hank” Grant of Sequim, Washington is comforted by 57 years of precious memories. In sickness and in health, in stormy seas and calm, they continued to love each other more with each passing year.
Her dear sister Carol Reynvaan of Montesano, Washington has lost an irreplaceable best friend.
Her children Rhonda Dapcevich of Sequim, Washington, Shari Wyman of Port Townsend, Washington, and Mark Grant of Arlington, Texas will forever love her. It was she who taught them that love is the one eternal constant.
Her grandchildren - Jeremy Phillips, Jolene Helem, Jill Hirai and Jennie Phillips, all of Sitka, Alaska; Julie Fischer of Clinton, Utah, Justin and Doug Grant of Arlington, Texas, and Diana and Joe Dapcevich of Bellingham, Washington - feel so very honored to call her Grandma. They were her pride and joy.
As her great grandchildren grow up, may they always be delighted by stories of their Grandma Barbara as much as she loved hearing of their own antics! They are: Taylor, James and Kenny Helem; Kai and Koen Hirai; and Ezra Phillips, all of Sitka, Alaska.