Barbara Gifford

Barbara Ann Gifford, 86, of Delavan Lake died at Lakeland Health Care Center on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. Barbara was born August 26, 1931 in Elkhorn, WI, the daughter of Barney Mitchell and Mary Helen Daugherty. She married Jerry B. Gifford June 22, 1951 in Fairbanks, Alaska where Jerry was serving in the military. Barbara was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, where for many years she managed the Christ Church Food Pantry. Barb was an active member for many years of the Delavan Lake Yacht Club, the Delavan Lioness's, and one of the Lioness Transporters of eyes for the Wisconsin Eye Bank, a former member of the DDHS School Board, a Delavan Township Poll Worker, a member of the Delavan American Legion Auxiliary, and a Chairperson of the Delavan United Way. Barbara was a matron with the Walworth Co. Sheriffs Dept., and a hospice/hospital volunteer. Barb gave generously of her time and talents to many community groups. She was very devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Roberta (John) Karstetter, Chellie (Bill) Pelnar, of Delavan, Susan (Todd) Kearney, of Lodi, WI, Peggy (Mel) Nieuwenhuis, Harriett (Mark) Peterson of Delavan, Sandra (Charlie) Getka of Elkhorn, Erica Gifford Mills of Greendale, WI. and one son, Jerry B (Lisa) Gifford II of Lake Geneva. One brother C. William (Bill) Mitchell, of Sarasota, Florida. 42 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Her sister in laws Shirley Gifford Abell, of Delavan, Charlotte Mitchell, Gale Mitchell of Florida, Jean Mitchell, Dorothy Mitchell, WI. Barb was predeceased by her husband Jerry ( 2013), her parents, and brothers, James, Rodney, Donald and Robert Mitchell. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 14th at Christ Episcopal Church, 503 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan, WI, with the Rev. Joel Prather officiating. Interment, at a later date will be in the Church Columbarium. Family and friends may call at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. before the funeral service. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, or Spirit of Hope Men's Shelter, or the soon to be created DDHS Jerry B. and Barbara A. Gifford Scholarship Fund. Betzer Funeral Home is serving the Gifford Family. Service Information Thursday, December 14th, 2017 10:30am, Christ Episcopal Church - Delavan 503 E. Walworth Ave Delavan, WI 53115 Interment Location Christ Episcopal Church - Delavan 503 E. Walworth Ave Delavan, WI 53115