Barbara Ellen Gratzinger-Bishop

Barbara Ellen Gratzinger Bishop, 87, passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2024. She was born on August 13th, 1936 in Marshall Illinois to Jack and Delight (Emberton) Starkey.

Barbara grew up in Arkansas before settling in Arlington, Texas, where she lived for more than 50 years. She worked for Arlington school district from 1987 until her retirement in 2014.

Barbara loved to fish, was an avid gardener, a wonderful storyteller, and a true animal lover.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Bishop, her sister Opal Davis, and her son, James Gratzinger.

She is survived by her daughters Doris Elam and Shirley Gratzinger, of North Texas, and her two Brothers, Fred and Ted Starkey of Arkansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jamie Maddox, Hilary Bowden, Dianna Kavanaugh, Melissa Elsberry, Trina Butler, Edward Brown, Toni Elam, Jeffery Oliver, and Linzi Oliver, 23 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home on January 10th, 2024 at noon. Visitation will be that morning from 10 to 12, with the family greeting friends and relatives before the service begins.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to an animal shelter local to you.

Please feel free to share condolences and happy memories here.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, and relatives that made her life so rich and full. She was a free spirit, loved by many, and our loss is God’s gain.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-4

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance…