Graham

Barbara Kathryn Graham, 76, left this mortal plane Feb. 24 at Odyssey House in Palm Desert, Calif. She is now in a place where there is no sorrow or pain, and her family takes comfort in that knowledge.

Barbara was born on Nov. 10, 1937, in Wildcat, near Rimersburg, the daughter of the late John and Ann Malinak.

Her family has roots in Butler County dating back at least to the Revolutionary War.

Barbara grew up in a very humble, but loving home. Her parents taught Barbara and her brothers and sisters the value of hard work and the principle that anyone can have a good life if he or she puts in the effort.

Barbara was a registered nurse for more than 30 years. Barbara's family is confident that she earned her angel wings many times over while performing her duties as a nurse, where she used her natural talents as a healer to help others. Barbara wasn't afraid to speak up to protect her patients, which sometimes caused friction with her superiors.

Barbara moved to Palm Springs, Calif., in 1967 with her family and they made the city their home.

As far as Barbara's character, she had a warrior's heart, but a child's spirit.

She was kind and loving to all and was lively and had a great sense of humor. Barbara loved celebrating the holidays with her family, making great meals, watching her favorite soap opera “The Young and The Restless,” doing puzzles, playing the lottery, buying scratchers, and entering contests like Publishers Clearing House. But most of all, Barbara loved to clean and make a space beautiful.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert H. Graham III; her daughter, Stephanie; her son, Robert; her brother, Kenneth; her sisters, Joan and Sandra, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert and Ronald, and many good friends.

Barbara's family hopes that Dune, Barbara's beloved doggie, was the first joyful face that Barbara saw when she arrived in paradise.

Graham — At her request there will be no service or memorial for Barbara Kathryn Graham, who passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2014.If you wish to honor Barbara, please show mercy and forgiveness to others, even the undeserving.If you are able, please make a donation in Barbara's name to Animal Samaritans, P.O. Box 513, Thousand Palms, CA 92276, or to The Well in the Desert, 555 Commercial Road, Unit 10, Palm Springs, CA 92262.