Barbara Jean Hales

Barbara Jean Hales, born June 25, 1936, in Waldport, Oregon, to Geneva and Harold Allen, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at her home in Sherwood, Oregon. She was surrounded by her adoring family. During her years living with Alzheimer’s disease, our dear mother was cared for with love and devotion by her family and by caregivers who became part of the family. Barbara grew up in Salem, Oregon, with her parents, her brother George and her sister Charlene. She met the love of her life, Rod, while working at the cannery across the railroad tracks from her home, and they fell in love instantly. Oh the stories we have heard about living on the railroad tracks! Barbara and Rod were married at St. Joseph’s Church on August 31, 1955. Soon after, they began their life of adventure together, they moved to Corvallis for Rod to finish school and once graduated they purchased a travel trailer and headed to New York for Rod’s work. They returned to Oregon in 1964 and purchased the family property in Sherwood, Oregon, where they began building the home that would become the heart of their family for decades. Barbara worked at Sears in the evenings while she raised the family during the day. She later purchased a small vending company that quickly took off and became very successful. Rod eventually joined her, and together they ran the business for many decades. Barbara later owned and operated the cafeteria at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland until her retirement. Barbara’s greatest joy was always her family. Anyone who knew her understood that she was one of the hardest-working, most caring, and loving people you could ever meet. She was built on grit and quiet strength and taught those around her the true rules of humanity—kindness, generosity, and caring for others. Her hobbies were simple: her family. She lovingly helped raise her grandchildren and treasured being a large part of their lives. The grandchildren tell of their wild travel adventures with Grandma and Grandpa. Mom adopted many neighbors, nuns, exchange students and even a grand-horse, who would call for her in the morning for breakfast. Barbara is survived by her husband of 70½ years, Rodney James Hales; her son, Michael Hales (Barbara); and her daughters, Kathryn Crews (Thomas), Patricia Hales (Steve Ross), and Elizabeth English (Hap). She is also survived by her grandchildren Lauren Bauman (Kendall), Brianne Chadwick (Copper), Spencer Hales (Emily), Kimberly Quinn (Justin), Tyler Crews, Lucy English, and Katie English; and by her great-grandchildren Will, Logan, Clare, Reese, Juniper, Blakely, and Miles. She is also survived by her sister, Charlene Houtz (Sam). At her request there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the Newberg Animal Shelter, where she adopted her beloved Jack.

Barbara Jean Hales

June 25, 1936 - March 7, 2026