Barbara Grayce Affolter

Barbara Grayce Affolter, age 102, of Temecula, California passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025.

Barbara was born on April 16,1923 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Alexander and Grayce Bastron, a loving, involved, and prominent family. She spent her entire idyllic childhood years there until she graduated from high school in 1941.

She left home to attend Lindenwood College in Missouri after which she attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Home Economics degree. Through the years she furthered her education at Whittier College and California State University, Fullerton earning several education credentials for teaching, counseling, and administration. She dedicated over 30 years in education as a high school home economics teacher, a guidance counselor, and eventually became an assistant principal. Her retirement years were devoted to community service. For many years she volunteered her endless time and hard work to political groups, to her leadership in the Temecula Women’s Club, and as an advocate for seniors as an assemblywoman and speaker to the California Senior Legislature. She also served her county as a member of the Riverside County Office on Aging.

Barbara is survived by her son Alexander, her daughter Grayce, her daughter-in-law Julie, her grandson Andrew, and her step grandson John. Preceded in death were her two brothers James and Robert, her first husband Bruce, her stepson Robert, and her husband of 50 years, John Affolter who passed in 2007. She was a devoted and supportive wife to John always involved with his education career, his political endeavors, and his love for showing and breeding Arabian horses. As a loving mother to her children, every summer she would take them on a cross country trip to see the U.S. and visit her family in Iowa. She was a wonderful role model for her children always so supportive, kind, and calm.

Barbara was an exceptional lady, so smart, confident, and accomplished. She loved to laugh and have fun with her family and friends. She was a good listener and encourager and made everyone feel seen and heard. She enjoyed travel, cooking, singing, holidays, family gatherings, and watching sports, especially the University of Iowa football games.

A private family celebration of Barbara’s amazing life will take place on November 27, 2025. She will be laid to rest in Ottumwa, Iowa in her family plot at a later date. The family wishes to thank Pebble Brook Senior Care for their compassionate care during the last year of Barbara’s life.