On February 10, 2021, at her home in Silverton, Oregon, Barbara France was called to Heaven. She passed peacefully while surrounded by her sister, daughters, and grandchildren after a sudden and brief illness.

Barbara was born June 18, 1929 to Clarence and Cicely Gwaltney and grew up in Culver City, CA. From a young age, her heart's desire was to raise a family and honor the Lord. She married William France in 1951 and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Together they raised their three daughters in Chatsworth, CA. She spent her days as a joyful homemaker and a devoted mother caring for the family she so dearly loved. She welcomed everyone into her home with a warm smile and could always make room for one more at the dinner table. The family summers were spent at the cabin they built at Huntington Lake, CA where they enjoyed many happy gatherings with family and friends.

In 1979, Barbara and Bill retired and joined family in Silverton, Oregon. There, she was actively involved in Silverton Baptist Church, Christian Women's Club, the Ladies Bible Study and was a true prayer warrior. In their retirement, Bill and Barbara enjoyed many adventures traveling the country in their Airstream trailer. Barbara enjoyed socializing through her travels, her church, and her family and built a legacy of many lasting friendships. One of her greatest joys was the love she shared with her sister and best friend, Margaret Ghiglia.

Barbara was a beloved mother who supported her daughters throughout their lives with guidance, patience, prayers, and unconditional love. As a hands-on grandma, she enjoyed close and loving relationships with her six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and was looking forward to the addition of her sixteenth great grandchild. Because family was so important to her, in 1987 she wrote As Time Goes By , using her love and flair for writing to document her life and family history. She continued to preserve the cherished memories of her family through journals and beautiful photo albums.  At age 91, she often commented how grateful and blessed she was that God gave her the desires of her heart - her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill France in 2019. She is survived by her three daughters Chris Berg, Jeannie (Scott) Fritcher, and Susan (Phil) Skirvin, her six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Rebecca (Joe) Kuenzi, their children Nicole, Kaden, Grace and Sadyee; Kristie (Nate) Axmaker, their children Molly and Logan; Darla (TJ) DeSantis and their children Brianna, Kyle and Ruby; Kellie (Aaron) Kannowski and their children Matthew and Drew; Katie (Chris) Lander and their children Grayson, Travis and Ryan; Brian (Anfesa) Berg and their son Oakley; her sister Margaret (Russ) Ghilgia, and a large and close extended family.