Barbara Jeanne Ebben
September 11, 1952 - July 25, 2016
Obituary
Ebben, Barbara J.
OREGON- Barbara J. Ebben, age 63, of Oregon, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016, at Agrace HospiceCare with family by her side, after a courageous four year battle with cancer. She was born on Sept. 11, 1952, in Appleton, the daughter of Anthony and Gloria (Strover) Ebben. Barbara married Richard Ray on Dec. 19, 1998, at their home in Prairie du Chien. She graduated from Kimberly High School in 1970 and attended UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her master's degree in Special Education. Following graduation, Barbara began her 38 year career in education, first as a teacher in Oshkosh, Waterloo, and Sun Prairie, then as a Special Education Consultant at CESA 3 in Fennimore, and finally ending her career at the Department of Public Instruction in Madison. In retirement, she was a member of the MATC show choir and participated in the Oregon Straw Hat Players production of Oliver. She also enjoyed volunteering, donating her time at the Ronald McDonald House, reading to preschool children, and tutoring with the Schools of Hope program. Barbara loved travel, nature, wildlife, swimming, skiing, singing, gardening, fishing, rollerblading, and following politics. She will be remembered as a loving mother and wife, dedicated and respected educator, and as a thoughtful and true friend. Barbara is survived by her husband, Richard Ray; son, Nathan (Ashley) Bingenheimer; mother, Gloria Ebben; step-children, Michael (Jen Schafbuch) Ray, and Melanie (Jeff) Schave; grandchildren, Chloe and Cailyn Shave; brothers, David (Betty) Ebben, Bill (Biz) Ebben, and Gerry Ebben; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Ebben; and sister, Bethanne Ebben. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Any proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Barbara's name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608)835-3515
Events
Service
Sat Aug 20, 2016 @ 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Oregon • 1150 Park Street, Oregon, WI 53575
Photos
Memories
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Eva Kubinski
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I first met Barb when I was a newbie school psychologist at Royal Oaks Elementary in Sun Prairie. She went out of her way to try to show me what Special Education looked like in the real world as opposed to the books and lectures I had previously experienced. Several years later I started to work for the Special Education Team at DPI and not only did Barb recognize me but was the first to welcome me. Barb always showed her commitment not only to kids with disabilities but also their parents and teachers. Her big heart will be missed.
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Marianne Johnson
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Barbara, May you rest easy in the Lord's hands now.
Rick , Nate, Aunt Gloria and family, Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Marianne Forslund Johnson
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joannegladden67@gmail.com
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I will remember Barb as a loving, strong, and deeply caring woman who fought the good fight and approached death with dignity and left an awesome legacy to hundreds of children and their families. . I feel privileged to have known her. Her dear Molly will be among many who will miss her so very much. Blessings of peace and strength to you. Joanne, Agrace Volunteer
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Mary Green
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Barb was a colleague of mine during her years at CESA 3, and my memory of her is that she had a heart of gold. She was generous and kind, she worked diligently at her many job-related tasks and responsibilities, and she ADORED her family.
My wishes are extended to Barb's family for enduring strength as you move forward.
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Betty Ebben
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Betty Ebben
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