Barbara Elise Colebank

Passed away peacefully at her Garden Valley home on Thursday, February 5, 2015, after a brave battle with cancer. Barbara was born in Gresham, Oregon, on July 30, 1938, the daughter of Elam and Frieda Amstutz. She remained in Gresham through her childhood, graduating from Gresham High School. She later received a Bachelor's degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland and began a career in teaching. She and her husband Lynn had a son, Doran, and a daughter, Wendy.

After the family moved to Roseburg in the 1970s, Barbara taught for decades at Oakland Elementary School, where she enjoyed educating young children and developed many strong friendships with her colleagues and students.

In addition to her lengthy teaching career and raising two children, Barbara led a full and active life. An award-winning quilter, she relished her time with her friends and fellow quilters at Sonja's in Sutherlin. A Master Gardener, Barbara always had a carefully cultivated deck and backyard full of beautiful plants and flowers. She was almost always accompanied by one or more of her beloved American Eskimo dogs, and often volunteered and supported the Humane Society, 4-H and guide dog groups. She was active with her Bunco group and was delighted to be part of the Roseburg Button club. Most of all, Barbara was a loving and doting grandmother to her twin grandsons.

She is survived by her husband Lynn; her children Doran and Wendy; her brother David Amstutz; and her grandchildren Hayden and Lukas Kellington. Her family would like to thank the friends and neighbors who helped Barbara so much during her illness. Their kindness and outreach was crucial to helping her live an active and happy life.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral service Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses on Harvard Avenue in Roseburg.