By Christiane Daily
Staff Writer
Goodrich- On Aug. 12, 1923 in a farmhouse on Green Road Barbara Horton was born.
Now 80 years, four children, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and countless memories later Barbara’s life was celebrated.
On Aug. 9, about 75 of Horton’s closest friends along with family members gathered at her home for a birthday party.
The Horton name is quite historical in the Goodrich community. Horton Road years ago was named after her husband, Richard Horton’s grandfather. They were a staple family to many in the 1800’s to present day.
Barbara and Richard are the oldest living Hortons in Goodrich. She graduated from Goodrich High School in 1942, with a class size of 42. Her husband Richard graduated in 1940, his class size was 22. Barbara married Richard after she graduated and then went on to travel the United States. Richard likes to refer to the size of the high school today as ‘college.?
‘Richard joined the service and served in WWII for two years. We traveled to seven or eight different states, but I liked San Antonio the best. The nationalities were different and that was exciting,? said Barbara.
Many of the guests at the birthday party were friends from the Goodrich High School cafeteria, where Barbara worked as cafeteria supervisor after she returned from her travels with Richard during the war.
‘I loved working there. It was great to work with all the children and I really met some wonderful people there.?
Others included guests from Genesys Hospital, Goodrich Hospice, Women’s Club and other close friends she’s made through the years.
‘I really love working with the hospice. I always wanted to be a nurse, so I guess this is the closest way I can,? she said.
Barbara and Richard said the biggest changes they have seen in the area over 80 years has to be the population increase.
‘The businesses really haven’t changed that much. It’s still just a village and downtown district, just as it was years ago,? said Richard.
Barbara said her birthday party reaffirmed the relationships she’s established over the years.
‘My son-in-law and his friend put on a skit for us, that was basically a ‘roast?. I guess that was my birthday present. He dressed up like an old woman, it was hilarious,? said Barbara.