Barbara Lou Brinton

Barbara L. Brinton, a longtime resident of Banning, CA passed away peacefully at St. Bernadine’s Hospital on July 23, 2024, after a brief illness. Chadwick, her youngest son, held his mother’s hand, as she slowly slipped from our world and into the loving arms of our Lord and her loved ones who were there to welcome her.

Barbara was born in March 1930, to Oakley and Florence Smith in San Jacinto, California. Barbara was the youngest of four children and the only girl. Her brothers and parents fondly called her ‘Sis’ her whole life. Family was important and meant everything to Barbara, and she remained close to all three of her brothers and their families throughout the years.

When Barbara was in high school, she worked at the Fox Theater as an usher and cashier, and at Constantino’s Date Shop, where she assisted Mr. Constantino in making candy. Barbara learned a lot about making candy from Mr. Constantino. Barbara also worked at Hadley’s Packing House when it was located in Banning for a short period in the early 1950s. Barbara often talked about creating a dried fruit gift pack that Hadley’s sold for years at their store.

Barbara graduated from Banning High School, June of 1950 and a couple weeks later she married Chadwick Brinton, in a backyard wedding at her parent’s home in Banning, CA. After marriage, Barbara and Chad moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, for a couple years of work for Chad, where they had their first son, John. Having a newborn son, they both decided to move back to Banning, where in about five years they had their second son, Chadwick, Jr. Eventually, they had the home of their dreams built, and where Barbara lived with family for nearly sixty years.

Barbara spent the last seventy years as a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, going to church, volunteering to work the election polls, working at the Brinton Ranch with both Chads, attending Curves, and keeping in touch with family and friends. Barbara loved fruit trees and flowers, especially roses, and always had beautiful, healthy roses in her front and back yards. Barbara passed this love of roses and flowers to everyone who knew her.

Barbara also loved to bake and cook. She was always experimenting with recipes and was a fantastic cook. Barbara’s special homemade fudge was out of this world and something that would quickly disappear, because it was everyone’s favorite. Every meal at Barbara’s table was made with love and heartfelt joy. Every get-together and meal at Barbara’s table was a special occasion to be remembered at the Brinton house. Laughter, love, stories, joy, and friendship were always overflowing when Barbara was around.

Barbara was ecstatic when she became a grandmother for the first time twenty-nine years ago. Barbara spent every spare moment she could with her grandson, Justin. She always took him on special trips and introduced Justin to new experiences and people. Oak Glen, the desert, museums, a trip to Yreka to visit Uncle John, and rides up to see the Banning Bench were just a few of the places the two would venture off to when they were together.

Barbara is survived by her sons, John of Yreka and Chadwick (Donna) of Banning, and her grandson, Justin of Banning. Plus, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara was an active member of the Banning Methodist Church; she loved the lord and lived her life as a faithful Christian.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Oakley Smith, her husband, Chadwick, Sr, and her three brothers and their wives, Oakley, Jr. (Joan), Donald (Sandra), and Harold (Sue).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at 2 pm at the Banning Methodist Church at 235 N. 2nd Street.