Barbara Gibbs Barton

1908 - 2022

Barbara Gibbs Barton was born on October 12th, 1908. This week she passed peacefully at the remarkable age of 113. She was the daughter of Mabel (Collamore) and Harold Nelson Gibbs. Despite being an only child she was raised in loving kinship with the extended Cole, Collamore, Nelson, Gibbs, Blount, and Barton families.

Barbara graduated from Barrington High School in 1926.She attended Rhode Island School of Design where her considerable artistic talents were honed. Her first job following graduation was as a fabric designer for the manufacturing mills in Worcester.

In 1931 Barbara and "Pete" (Edwin) Barton were married. Though art remained a major role in her life, family became the central focus of her heart. Four children survive her: Prudence Bishop (Mars), Charlotte Sornborger (Marty), Ralph Barton (Laura), and Ned Barton (Deborah).

While raising a family Pete and Barbara were also building a business (Rico Header Tools). Through the growing pains of both family and enterprise, all concerned thrived. Throughout their long marriage Pete and Barbara enjoyed a great deal of travel often with family or friends. A vacation home in the White Mountains of NH was built in 1966 to provide the family with the opportunity to learn to ski. For over fifty years this house has provided many treasured family memories. Pete's love of fishing and boating included Barbara, reluctantly on her part, but (almost)always with a good nature.

Barbara and Pete were blessed with 13 grandchildren: Deborah Wilson (Jamie), Betsy Harker(John), Mars Bishop, David Sornborger(Lisa), Andrew Sornborger(Chris), Nathan Sornborger(Donna), Ralph Barton Jr.(Amy), Beth Rondeau(Anthony), Jeffrey Barton(Chris), Sarah Gardella (Matt), Jed Barton, and Bradford Barton(Trina). She was predeceased by Curtis Gibbs Barton.

As the years progressed 24 great grandchildren expanded the family, and more recently she was blessed with 7 (soon to be 8) great-greats!

The heart and soul of Barbara was an abiding faith and the never ending love of her family. She was, in turn, loved and cherished by all.

The Warren Methodist Church was an important part of her life. It was there that she met Pete, raised her children with extended cousins, taught Sunday School, and participated in life long Bible Study.

As her age began to limit her mobility, she was the focus of a continual stream of children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends who filled her days and brightened her heart as a nursing home resident. During this sad time of Covid isolation, the family maintained constant contact with the staff who provided her with kind and loving attention. More recently as restrictions were eased the family was able to show her their love once again. Her death releases her to an afterlife she welcomed.

Burial will be private at her request. Remembrances in her honor may be made to the Warren Methodist Church, 25 Church Street, Warren, RI 02885.