Barbara Ellen Trafton

Abbot - Barbara Ellen (Schultz) Trafton, 84, was freed from her battle with Alzheimer's disease on January 10, 2024, while surrounded by her loving daughters. Barbara was born in Guilford on July 13, 1939, to John Schultz and Harriet (Chase) Schultz Anderson.
She proudly graduated with the "Class of '57" from Guilford High School. At an early age, Barbara developed a passion for cheering on the basketball teams. This love continued through several generations, including the joy of watching her great-grandchildren's teams.
Barbara married Malcolm "Mickey" Trafton in 1959, and they were blessed with fifty years of marriage. Together they presented a wonderful example of hard work and commitment for their family. They faced joys and challenges in the best way possible - as a team. One of their proudest accomplishments was in building and running their family store.
By the age of 10, Barbara started developing her amazing work ethic. There wasn't a thing she was afraid to tackle. From sales, stitching shoes, rolling a perm, driving a piece of Mickey's equipment, to being a postmaster she excelled at every job. She loved her retirement job of cooking for and serving the local community of Abbot Village.
After Mickey's death, Barbara was given the gift of love and companionship with Allyn Ward, Sr. They enjoyed more than ten years of special times together. Even during the progression of her disease, she never forgot to tell people, "I am the most blessed woman on Earth!"
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Cleaves of Sangerville, Laurie (Chuck) Martell of Guilford, Julie (Ben) Dawkins of Gray, and Sue's partner, Todd Daigle, of Dover-Foxcroft; her beloved grandchildren, Joshua (Heather) Smith, Jessica (Colin) Thoreen, Jerrod (Erin) Smith, Hillary (Barrett) Starbird, Tobey Cleaves (Olivia Dow), Jillian (Trevor) Lewis, Emily Dawkins, and Hannah Dawkins; eleven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Mickey; daughter, Susan Trafton; son-in-law, Charles Cleaves; brother, Richard Schultz; sister, Winifred Webber; and her partner, Allyn Ward Sr.
The family would like to express a thank you to their Beacon Hospice care team, whose support allowed Barbara to stay at home, during the final stages of her Alzheimer journey.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18, from 5 to 7pm at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 19, at 2pm at the United Methodist Church of Guilford, 3 School St, Guilford, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Barbara Trafton Sports Fund (to Benefit Guilford Pirate Sports) at Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union. Mailing address: MHFCU, PO BOX 697, GUILFORD, ME 04443. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.