Thank you for sharing the service.  You all spoke so eloquently about Barb.  She really was something, wasn't she? Although I couldn't attend in person, I want you to know that I dressed for the service, anyway.  Barb always made sure she looked so nice, and I didn't want to do anything less.  Also, when we sang (yes, I sang along), "To God Be the Glory," which had changed some of the lyrics, I could hear her say, "Why don't they just sing it the way it was written??"  Your memories are some I will cherish whenever I think of Barb.

To:  The Family of Barbara Gradin
Dear Dwight, Doug, Andrea, and Mark, and Family,
Our prayers are with you at this time of death for our dear Barbara.
We trust that you are finding our faithful Lord to be your Sufficiency during your grief and sorrow. We share grateful memories of our years together in Hawaii with you, Doug, and Ton.
May you feel an abundance of God's grace, peace and presence,
With condolences,
Carolyn (David) Gell


Beautiful service.  Love to all of you.             
 Bob & Norma Olson


                                                                  

I met Dwight and Barbara at a small church in Hawaii.  I was not yet a Christian when I began attending the church.  From the beginning, I could tell that Dwight and Barbara were a special couple and functioned as a real team.  When I gave my life to Jesus as my Savior, it was Dwight who prayed with me.  When I lived with them for about three months before they drove me to Canada to  attend Bible school, it was Barbara who placed Bible verses on my pillow to encourage me as I drifted off to sleep.  It was Barbara's delicious rhubarb pie and gracious hospitality that sparked my love of baking and entertaining.  Dwight and Barbara nurtured me as a new Christian, encouraging me along the way.  They both were very involved in Dan's and my dating relationship and were so supportive when we became engaged, and married so many years ago.  Barbara was a GREAT communicator and could tell a story better then most.  She loved her family and friends and was loved in return.  I am so thankful that the LORD brought her into my life more than fifty years ago.  

We were so grateful to have the opportunity to take the PILAT course with Dwight and Barbara at MTI in 2003, before moving back to Kenya.  Later, when Mark graduated from college, he and Barbara visited us in Kenya for his graduation trip.  Barbara delighted us with her excitement every single time that we saw a giraffe in its natural setting in the game park.  We cherished that time together with her.

June 13, 1964, was when we welcomed Barbara into our family, as I participated in the wedding of Barbara and Dwight in Detroit as the best man.  Over the years we have come to appreciate her and her love for serving Jesus.
Unfortunately, we lived a long distance from them, and so we did not get to spend much time with them, except for the occasional family reunion.  However, there is one time that stands out in our memory.
We got a call one night from Dwight, saying that they were planning a trip to Europe and were wondering whether or not we would like to go with them.  Since it was our twenty-fifth anniversary (and their twentieth), we jumped at the opportunity.
Our trip got off to a shaky start.  As our flight was approaching Germany, a flight attendant accidently spilled HOT coffee on Barbara's legs.  Upon landing, she was taken to get emergency treatment.  Fortunately, the burns were not serious enough to make a major impact on our trip.
We enjoyed travelling with them as they connected with friends that they knew from MTI and elsewhere.  We drove twice across Germany, once in a southerly direction toward Austria and Switzerland, and back again in a northerly direction toward Sweden.  Barbara had the tour book and acted as the tour director, while Dwight practiced his linguistic skills in negotiating lodging for the night (especially in Germany).
We have appreciated Barbara's faithfulness in serving with Dwight as they help missionaries adapt to a new culture.  We know that many will rejoice with her in heaven as a result of her faithfulness to God.


Barb, was my friend for 75 years.  We met in 4th grade at Halley School.  And graduated from Mumford High School together.  Barb was my mentor, my social director, my date arranger and so many other things.  But most of all, she showed me the Christ who lived in her heart was my need.  And for all these years since we have shared our lives, our love for Jesus.  I love you my dear, dear friend.
See you for that long talk we both wanted when I get  to heaven!

Oh could she tell a story. She held a group of us spellbound as she talked to us about the work she and Dwight did in Viet Nam.  I wish I had recorded her at the time.

OBITUARIO

Barbara Gradin

26 julio, 1936 – 4 febrero, 2022

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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