Barbara L. Murton, age 86, of Sheboygan, WI died Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Barbara was born on August 8, 1939, in Berlin, WI, to the late Albert and Vivian (Tice) Griffith. Barbara was a graduate of the Class of 1957 from Berlin High School. She was united in marriage to Lyle Murton (also originally from Berlin, WI) on April 19, 1958, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her husband, Lyle, preceded her in death on December 10, 2023.
Barbara became penpals with Lyle initially while he was in the Air Force and was stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was encouraged to write to Lyle to keep him updated on events in Berlin while he was in the service. This was the beginning of their love story. While being penpals, their relationship blossomed into something more serious. Lyle came home for a brief leave and proposed to Barbara. She then later traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana to join him in marriage. They lived in Louisiana through November of 1959. Their oldest daughter, Coleen, was born in Louisiana and in December of 1959 they moved as a family back to Berlin, WI. Their second daughter, Lynn, was born in May of 1961.
Barbara was a homemaker for many years as their daughters grew up. In later years, Barbara was the City Hostess for the city of Berlin. Barbara, along with her husband Lyle, were very active as Jaycees/Jaycettes in the Berlin area as well. Barbara, Lyle and their daughters also worked as counselors of special needs children and adults during summer camps. In 1979, Barbara and Lyle moved from Berlin to Madison where Barbara worked as a file clerk for Anchor Bank for many years. In 1995, after moving to Sheboygan, Barbara also worked as a file clerk for the Sheboygan Area School District. She also worked for a period of time at KinderCare taking care of infants. Barbara and Lyle also volunteered for Meals on Wheels delivering meals and smiles to many elderly people for many years.
Barbara was known for her exceptional knitting skills. She was an avid knitter often creating her own patterns to make her own projects for family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing homemade clothing for herself and others. In addition, she had an enormous love of music of all types. She often went on trips with friends and family to see various musical performances and shows. She had an extensive vinyl music collection which she listened to often. She loved her Cubs!! She loved rooting for the underdog teams and was a faithful Cubs fan. She met several players over the years which were a highlight in her life. She also was a huge Steven King fan, much to the dismay of her family! She was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Sheboygan where she served as a lay leader as well as being on numerous committees. She represented the church at many conferences and she also knit many prayer shawls and baby clothing for parishioners and often helped with kitchen work for church functions.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Coleen (Sonny) Sonnenschein of Poy Sippi, WI, and Lynn (Ron) Bitney of Plymouth, WI. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher (Satomi) Warren of Japan, Adria (Natay) Warren of Oshkosh, WI, Shaun (Amber) Bitney of Plymouth, WI and great grandchildren, Hunter and Hazel Warren and Ivy Lynn Taylor. Barbara is also survived by her younger brother, David (Rae) Griffith of Springfield, IL. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her older brother, Gordon Griffith.
A memorial service will be held for Barbara at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 623 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.
Barbara’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Waterford in Plymouth, most especially Jami, Noah and Josefina who were invaluable in her transition and care at their memory care facility along with the Compassus Hospice staff from Sheboygan.
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