Elizabeth K. Barton

Elizabeth Knauff “Libby” Barton (98) died October 22, 2015. Elizabeth was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin and was a proud descendent of William Blount, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Tennessee.

At age four she moved to Pensacola, Fla where she lived her young life. In 1930 she moved to Tennessee and graduated from St. Katharine’s Hall, Boliver, Tenn. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1938, then returned to Pensacola with her parents, and taught school for two years. In 1941, she married Lt. JG, Harry Hayes “Ace” Barton, USN, and became a sincerely supportive Navy wife for 64 years. She traveled the world for 35 years, raising her two children, living on East and West coasts, Corpus Christi ,Texas, Panama Canal Zone, Paris, France, and Hawaii, volunteering for numerous charities, USN Grey ladies and the America Red Cross, as well as enjoying golf and the Beach. After retirement, the Bartons lived in Pensacola.

She was preceded in death : by her parents, Rev. Grant Knauff, who was the Arch Deacon of the Episcopal church of West Florida and her Mother, Louise Stephens Clark Knauff ; her sister, Mary Knauff Ghesquiere and her husband, Capt. George Ghesquiere, and nephew, David Ghesquiere. As a long time member of Christ Church in Pensacola, there is a chapel dedicated to her mother.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Barton. She is survived by her children, Barbara Barton and Robert Barton ( Nancy), all of Denver, Co.; granddaughter, Betsy Barton Steinbeck (Christopher) and grandson, Flynn Barton; great grandson, Carter Steinbeck, and great granddaughter, Bailey Steinbeck; niece, Mary Ghesquiere (Charles Coverdale, Manhattan Beach, Ca), and nephew, Steve Ghesquiere (Melody, Pensacola, Fla.). Numerous cousins and second cousins have survived her.

A private Graveside service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of her Life on Wednesday, October 28 at 12:00 pm at Azalea Trace, 10100 Hillview St., Pensacola, 32514 in the Azalea Room located in their Main Lobby.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a charitable donation of your choice.