The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Barbara was born in Amity, Oregon on July 9, 1933. She attended several elementary schools in Oregon and graduated From Gervais High School. In her younger years she was a file clerk at the State Tax Commission in Salem. Husbands Stewart Marshall, Tom Rhoads, Gene Dagenhardt and Vern Catterson; her parents Henry and Rose Kirkwood; and her sister Cecelia and brother Richard precede her in death.

Barbara has five children: Tym (Ursula), Kathy (Dennis Levine), Teresa, Lynn, Jason (Judy); and nine step children: Mary, Vicki, Alan, Debbie, Barb, Donnie, Curt, Emily and Cassie. She also has five grandchildren: Clint, Nicholas, Lorne, Keylee, and Adam; five great-grandchildren: Antonio, Cristina, Nestor, Tavin and Ryker. One great-great-granddaughter; Cecilia. Her nieces and nephews are Susan Hagen (Lyman), Jon McDermeit (Michelle), Connie Lopes, David Kirkwood (DeeDee), and Chris Marshall (deceased).

She lived in California with her first husband, Vern Catterson (father of Tym, Kathy and Teresa). After Vern’s death in 1962 she moved back to Gervais where her parents lived. She married Gene Dagenhardt (Lynn and Jason’s father). In 1970 they all moved to Central Oregon.

While living in Central Oregon she worked at Black Butte Restaurant for 17 years as the lead cook for breakfast and lunch. She even had a sandwich on the menu named after her, “The Dagenhardt” (turkey, cranberries and sprouts on whole wheat).

She lost her second and third husbands during this time (Gene Dagenhardt and Tom Rhoads). After leaving employment at Black Butte Ranch, she worked at the Sisters School District for over 12 years. She then met her fourth husband, Stewart Marshall. When she retired from the school district, Stu and Barbara traveled all over the USA, as well as Germany, and went on numerous cruises.

Barbara valued all friends and family. She had many good friends. Her best friend from middle school remained her best friend for life. Donna preceded her in death by a year. She loved and was faithful to God and her Catholic faith. Her hobby was playing cribbage and other card games, working on puzzles, and traveling.

Barbara was considered by all to be one of the most generous, genuine, happy-go-lucky, loving persons known. She treated all with love and respect. She was the type of person who would do anything for you. Her love was unconditional. She also had a great sense of humor and appreciated a good laugh or joke. By her example she taught us all the balance of hard work and enjoying life. Life was not easy for Barbara, but she always looked for the good. She didn’t waste time being angry and her attitude was “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” Her love of family and friends were foremost in her heart.

She will remain an inspiration to her family. Though many may try, it will be hard to be half the person she was. It will be hard to fill her shoes.

Service will be at her long-time parish, St. Edwards, 123 Trinity Way Sisters, Oregon on August 3, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to hospice are requested. Her hospice contact in San Diego is [email protected] or you may mail donations to A Gift Keeps Giving, 450 E. Bradley Ave., #108 El Cajon, CA 92021.