Barbara Cockburn Danforth

Barbara Cockburn Danforth, at 96 years old, passed away on October 3, 2026, in Walla Walla, WA. She was born on May 6, 1930, in Walla Walla to Jack and Ada Cockburn. She was raised on the family wheat farm 14 miles north of Waitsburg. Barb attended McKay-Alto country school through sixth grade and then transferred to the Waitsburg School District, where she graduated in 1948 as Salutatorian. She was very active throughout her high school years, including participation in the local Rainbow Girls assembly. To top off her senior year, she was the Queen of The Days of Real Sport. It was also during her senior year at WHS that Barb met the love of her life, Bob Danforth.

Barbara attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, where she received a degree in Sociology. During her time there, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. The relationships developed at Whitman lasted throughout her lifetime.

While Bob was serving in the United States Marine Corps in San Diego, they rekindled their relationship and were married on July 6, 1952, at the Walla Walla Presbyterian Church.  After Bob completed his military service, they returned to the family farm in Waitsburg. Bob and Barb built a farming life together, based on hard work and values. They farmed from 1954-1996.

Barb was an active member in her community: a faithful servant of God as a member of the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church; a 70-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she held many offices including Grand Electa; a lifetime member of Chapter BE, PEO.  She also served on the Walla Walla Community Foundation Board of Governors, the Children's Home Society board, and the Whitman College Board of Governors.  Barb became a strong supporter of Fort Walla Walla and the Early Life Speech and Language clinic in Walla Walla.

In their retirement, Barb and Bob moved to Walla Walla, played many hands of bridge, traveled extensively, and continued their community service, while hitting up a Husky game or two.

Barbara is survived by her three children; son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Leslie Danforth of Issaquah, Wash.; daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Mitchell Payne of Dayton, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Nancy Danforth of Snoqualmie, Wash. Barb has eight grandchildren: Nicholas (wife Heather), Jonathan, Cameron (wife Brooke), Andrea (husband Greg), Molly, Christopher (wife Kierstin), Amanda and Ashley (husband Stefan). She was blessed to know seven great-grandchildren.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Funeral Ceremony of the Order of the Eastern Star will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Waitsburg Cemetery, followed by an 11:00 memorial service at the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Waitsburg High School Scholarship Fund, Blue Mountain Community Foundation, or Early Life Speech and Language in Walla Walla.