Arlene Eleanora Barton's Obituary
Arlene Eleanora Barton (née Wager, née Yafrate), 93, of Boise, ID and formerly of San Bernardino, CA and East Bridgewater, MA passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.
Arlene was born on December 9, 1930, the youngest of nine children, to Andrea and Philomena (Mattie) Yafrate.
Arlene graduated from East Bridgewater High School in 1948. She started her career as a telephone operator for the Carver Cotton Gin in East Bridgewater, MA. After her marriage to Robert A. Wager, the couple relocated to the west coast and began a family that would eventually include nine children.
After Robert’s untimely death in 1968, Arlene married Edward D. Barton in 1972. Together with his three children, they became a family of fourteen.
Arlene was a fervent supporter of military veterans and a 56+ year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, holding many offices and receiving numerous honors and accolades. She volunteered at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans hospital in Loma Linda, CA from their opening day and for over 40 years. Arlene was an elections poll worker and worked for the local Registrar of Voters office. She was a proctor for the State of California Licensing Board. Arlene also worked for many years for the San Bernardino City Unified School District at Ramona Alessandro Elementary School. She supported scouting, 8 & 40, Lighthouse for the Blind, Candlelighters, and was a prolific volunteer for her children’s many activities, sports, and musical events at Jefferson Hunt Elementary, Del Vallejo Middle School, San Bernardino High School, and Pacific High School.
Growing up as a New England farm girl, Arlene adored gardening and spent hours curating her favorite flowers and vegetables. She was an avid sports enthusiast who cheered on New England and California teams - in that order! She was famous for knitting her children and grandchildren slippery slippers that caused a fair share of bruises from racing on hardwood floors.
Arlene is preceded in death by both her former husbands, her son, Louis Barton, her daughter Melodie Ventroni, and grandson, Joshua Landers.
She is survived by her daughter Nancy Landers (Wes) of San Antonio, TX, Scott Barton of Ridgecrest, CA, Patricia Goates of Mountain Home, ID, Domenic Wager (Suzanne) of San Bernardino, CA, Priscilla Romero (Mario) of Nampa, ID, Monica Moniot (Brent) of Dickson, TN, Theresa LeBow (William) of Middleton, ID, Loretta Gibson (Steven) of Nampa, ID, Susan Filkins (David) of Boise, ID and Janice Woods of Boise, ID.
Arlene leaves behind 30 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren (plus 8 step-great-great grandchildren), and countless grieving family members on the east coast.
She will be missed, but never replaced.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 at
Bobbitt Memorial Chapel
1299 East Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, Ca 92404
Interment at 1:00 p.m.
Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92518
What’s your fondest memory of Arlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arlene?
Share a story where Arlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arlene you’ll never forget.
How did Arlene make you smile?