Barbara (Skinner) Buxton

Published 9:38 am Tuesday, July 3, 2018

November 15, 1929 – June 25, 2018

Barbara (Skinner) Buxton was born in Bend, on hospital hill on November 15th, 1929 to Dr. Grant Skinner and Margaret E. Gilmour. She passed away at her home on June 25th, 2018, at the age of 88. Her mother passed away when she was just 13 months old and subsequently raised along with her sister Pat by her father alone through the Depression and World War II years.

She attended Bend High School, where she was active in the Torch Honor Academic Honorary, a cappella choir, and tumbling team.

After graduating from Bend High in 1947. in the fall of that year, she entered the University of Oregon where she met and married her first husband whom she had 4 children with; John C. Diehl (Tina), Kerry G. Diehl (Deborah), Linda D. Boly (Jeff) and Kathleen M. Diehl (partner Jimmy). Barbara is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her first job, while married was with the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company in Eugene. She later worked for West Coast Telephone in Reedsport and the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company in Bend, both in the traffic and business office. After moving to California, she worked as a sales accounting supervisor for a snack food company. She moved back to Bend in 1974 and worked for a local accounting firm as office administrator until her retirement.

Barbara was the 2012 Deschutes Pioneer Association Queen. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Telephone Pioneers Association, the Ladies of Elks (President 1989-1991 and Lady Elk of the year 1996-1997), a life member of the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. She also served on the Camp Fire Girls Board of Directors for 13 years and served on the Deschutes Historical Society Board of Directors (four years) and has been the chairperson of the membership committee of the Deschutes Pioneers Association for 18 years. She was also a volunteer as a SMART Reader in the Bend public schools.

She was married to Ken Buxton of Bend from July 1992 until his death in 2005. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and sister.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Chapel. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Deschutes County Historical Society 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, OR 97703. Please visit the online registry for the family at www.niswonger-reynolds.com