Barbara Ann Hafterson

Barbara Hafterson was born on March 20, 1931 to Ernest and Minnie Rude in Crookston, Minnesota. She went to be with her Lord on July 14, 2018. She spent most of her childhood in Crookston and married her high school sweetheart, Milo Hafterson, on March 25, 1950. They moved, with her parents, to Sonoma, California in 1951, where they made their home.

After losing her husband in 1970, her perseverance was evident as she continued to raise their six children on her own. She worked for Valley of the Moon Water District for several years as their Office Manager until she retired in 1989. After retirement she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was a long time active member of Faith Lutheran Church. Her love of music and singing led her to become the director of her church choir for 15 years. She also enjoyed singing in the Sonoma Valley Chorale as well as the Sonoma Cantata group. She loved to watch her children in their various sports and in later years, her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed watching basketball. She also dearly loved being called "Gramma Goose", a name given her by her first grandchild and carried on throughout the years by all her grandchildren, as well as her great grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was wise and witty as well as kind and compassionate. She was a woman of faith who lived out her beliefs in front of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Milo, her parents, her brother's Ernie and Jim, sister Doris and grandson Nathan Hafterson. She is survived by her children Debra Hafey, Peggy Steinley, Lori Sager, Judy (Paul) Neussl, Matt Hafterson and Nancy Wiley. Her grandchildren Shannon Hafey (Jason) McChesney, Heather Hafey, Kourtney Steinley, Jordan Steinley, Douglas Sager, Lindsay Neussl, Lauren Hafterson, Brooke Wiley and Mindi Wiley. Also eight great grandchildren.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Sonoma, California. A private burial will be held at Mountain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a cause close to your heart in Barbara's memory.

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WHISPERS FROM HEAVEN

When I left this world without you

I know it made you blue.

Your tears fell so freely.

I watched; I know this is true.

While you were weeping,

Days after I passed away.

While all was silent within me,

I saw you kneel to pray.

From this wonderful place called heaven

Where all my pain is gone,

I send a gentle breeze to whisper,

“My loved ones please go on”

The peace that I have found here

Goes far beyond compare

No rain, no clouds, no suffering

Just LOVE from everywhere.

You need not be troubled

Just stay close to GOD in prayer

Someday we’ll be reunited

My family, HIS love surrounds you always,

EVERYWHERE!

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