Barbara Gray Upton

Barbara Gray Upton was born on Islay St in Santa Barbara on July 27, 1921. She died at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara on July 28, 2024.

Barbara was the youngest of nine children born to Albert Gray and Sarah Henderson Gray. She attended Garfield Elementary and La Cumbre Junior High, and became a life-long sports fan following a trip to the 1932 Olympics. In spite of being around 5 feet tall, she was a star athlete at Santa Barbara High School, where she played basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis. She earned four varsity letters and was the Girls Athletic Manager before she graduated in 1939. After graduation, she would continue to play softball and basketball in the local leagues, and she was a volunteer at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. She was a devoted Lakers and Dodgers fan. She was active well into her mid-nineties, and could often be found beating people twenty years her junior at ping-pong at the Page Center.

After the U.S. entered World War II, Barbara joined the Red Cross and traveled on the medical trains. Back in Santa Barbara, she met Dean Taylor Upton in 1941, and after the war ended, they were married in 1945. Barbara and Dean had three children–John Upton (Jan), Dan Upton (Maya), and Katie Upton Benner (Steve)–seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Most of their large family lived locally or within a few hours’ drive, which made it possible for frequent and sizable family gatherings. Reunions and holidays were often hosted at the house in Mission Canyon, where Barbara and Dean moved in 1955. Here they created a unique and supportive family community, where children, grandchildren, and several generations of neighborhood children were raised, encouraged, and loved. Barbara was always part of every one of her children and grandchildren’s cheering sections. She was the PTA President of both Roosevelt Elementary and Santa Barbara High School, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a Brownie Troop Leader. She never missed a game, meet, show, concert, or school play. She was there for birthdays and graduations, family trips and holidays, and she loved a good meal and a good party.

A proud Santa Barbara local, Barbara was involved in many community events throughout her life, especially Fiesta. She was the Director of the Flower Girls during the 1960s and 1970s, and never missed a parade.

Barbara was also a fierce political activist, working tirelessly through all of Gary Hart’s campaigns for state assembly and state senate. She was named Democratic Woman of the Year in 1994 and was always an honored guest at the luncheons and events.

Barbara loved to travel, visiting many states and countries, with her husband, her sister, her kids and grandkids. She especially enjoyed searching out her roots in England and Ireland.

Barbara Gray Upton lived a full, happy, and charmed life, and she did everything she could to make sure that those around her did too. If anyone wishes to send condolences, please consider making a donation to the Santa Barbara Democratic Women or the Santa Barbara High School Foundation in Barbara’s honor.