Barbara Ellen Buchheit was born July 17, 1926, in Mount Hood, Oregon, to Ivan Irvan Matheny and Goldia Martha Matheny. She died on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Providence Brookside Manor in Hood River, Oregon, at the age of 88.
Barbara was a lifelong resident of Hood River graduated from Hood River High School in 1945 and attended Oregon State University from 1945-46. She met “Buck” (Raymond Buchheit) during the ninth grade and married him on April 19, 1947. Their long marriage was honored with love and dedication to each other.
Barbara was active in the community and worked many years for Dr. Warner Henderson she also was a medical assistant for the Hood River Medical Group. Barbara was a radiology technologist for 23 years and was always happy to help others; she loved people. She took pride in her work and attended many classes at Portland Community college to excel and further advance her radiology license.
In 1945 Barbara was Grand Worthy Advisor of Rainbow for Girls for the State of Oregon and later she held the Grand Cross of Colors Award for her service in Rainbow. In 1964-65 she was Worthy Matron of Eastern Star in Hood River and a lifelong member of Oregon Eastern Star. She was a member of the Hood River Valley Christian Church from 1937 until her death and served as a Deaconate for both the Hood River Christian Church and at the Valley Christian Church. Barbara also volunteered at the Valley Christian Church Thrift Shop for many years. She was a member of “78 Club” and a lifelong member of the Hood River Chamber of Commerce. She was a 2006 recipient of the Women of Distinction Award presented by Soroptimist International of Hood River.
After retirement Barbara and Buck enjoyed many cruises to interesting places and countries including Europe, Aruba, the Panama Canal and many trips to the Caribbean. Their favorite vacation was to Reno, Lake Tahoe and Palm Springs. She and Buck celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1997 by spending 16 days in China.
Barbara served her church, loved God, and loved her family: her sister, Ethel Mae Walden; nieces Jo Ann Wixon, Barbara Hosford (husband Mitch), nephew Michael W. Tenney (Valerie) and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Buck, and her parents, Goldia and Ivan Matheny.
A public service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road. Following a luncheon, a burial will take place at the Idlewilde Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Gorge, 1630 Woods Court, Hood River, OR 97031.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.