
James Michael Glasscock
February 18, 2025
Donald John Heller
February 18, 2025Barbara Rose Bennett Griffin Thompson: April 22, 1929 – February 8, 2025
ST. HELENS- Barbara Rose Bennett Griffin Thompson peacefully passed away in her home with her children by her side on February 8, 2025. Barbara reached the age of 95 years 9 months and 17 days.
Barbara was born April 22, 1929, in Warren, Oregon to Earl Homer and Olive Walker Bennett, the first of three daughters born on the Bennett Farm on Bennett Road.
Barbara was married to Vernon V. Griffin June 11, 1950. They had three children: Phyllis Elaine, Mark Randolph Earl, and Martha Rose. The family had a joyful life in the original 1881 house on that same Bennett Farm on Bennett Road. Barbara & Vern divorced in 1966.
In early 1970, Barbara met a handsome, bearded man, Noel James Thompson, on an airplane on her way to Hawaii. Following their spring romance, Barbara and Tom married on May 25, 1970 in Longview, Washington. The couple spent 10 adventurous years living in Hawaii. By 1980 they were retired and back on the Bennett Farm on Bennett Road.
Barbara battled life-altering scoliosis from an early age. This affected every aspect of her life. She never let it keep her from achieving any goal she put her mind to, and she put her mind to a lot! Her aptitude for numbers was astounding. She loved genealogy, geology, painting, copper tooling, needlepoint, playing the organ and piano, and singing choral music. Her bookkeeping skills were exceptional, balancing to the penny every time. She excelled at proofreading for publication. A skilled HAM radio operator, her call sign was KH6-ICQ to Tom’s KH6-FOX. They assisted in local emergency communications and enjoyed connecting with others HAMs worldwide.
Barbara’s curiosity for learning reached far and wide. She became involved in every community in which she lived. In 1975, her genealogy research proved her direct lines (X5 Mayflower passengers) to join the Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW she was dedicated in serving the needs of aging veterans, providing many blankets, pillows and gifts for veterans and their families.
Barbara was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offering her generous service in many capacities. She served as a Relief Society president, Temple Ordinance worker, Organist, Genealogy Specialist, and Family History Center Consultant. Together, Barbara and Tom served for 18 months as senior missionaries at the Church Genealogy Library in Salt Lake City.
Barbara is survived by:
Daughter – Phyllis (Ted) Rice of Scappoose. Grandsons David Kaleokalani Griffin of Vancouver, Robert Earl (Amber) Horrall of Scappoose. Great granddaughter Rylie Lynn Horrall, Great grandson Caden Michael Horrall of Scappoose. Grandson/Great grandson Cpl LiLongJi Griffin Rice USMC.
Son – Mark Randolph Earl Griffin is the 4th generation on the Bennett Farm on Bennett Road in Warren. Granddaughter Sanjet (Scott) Kennedy of Alvin TX. Great granddaughters, Sydney Marie, Syvanna Diane and Great grandson Samuel Zane Kennedy.
Daughter – Martha Rose (Rodney) Shields of Yankton. Grandsons Joseph Michael he will be the 5th generation on the Bennett Ffamily farm on Bennett Road in Warren, (Melissa) Shields ill be the 5th of St. Helens. RJ (Rodney Jay) (Kimberly) Shields of St. Helens. Great grandchildren AliAnna Nova Shields and JJ (Rodney Jay Joseph) Shields.
Granddaughter Crystal Ann (Rick) Johnson of Honolulu, HI. Great grandchildren Zechariah Ray (Tesla) Deter of Redding CA, twins Jade Raquel (Derrick) Anglin. Great great granddaughter Zoey Grace Anglin, Great great grandson Easton Wade Anglin of Redding CA. Great grandson Micah Andrew (Ari) Deter. Great great grandson Jaxon James Deter of Redding CA. Great granddaughter Carmia Jewel (Aiden)+1 of Redding CA. Great grandchildren Lily Ann & Levi LaMar of Honolulu HI,
Sisters – Carol Joanne Bennett Kearsley on the Bennett Farm. Emma Helene Joyce Bennett Crosland of Provo, UT
She is preceded in death by her husband, Noel (Tom) Thompson, brother Willard Earl Bennett – WWII POW in 1944, her parents Earl and Olive Bennett and all other family members born before her.
Barbara has truly lived an extraordinary life!
A viewing will be held Saturday, February 15th at 10:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2577 Sykes Rd St Helens. Internment will be at Bayview Memorial Cemetery in Warren, Oregon, immediately following the service.
ZOOM—LINK
Below please find the Zoom link for Barbara’s 11:00 am service on February 15th.
A Zoom Meeting is scheduled from 10:30 to 12:30.
Please distribute to those you wish.