Barbara Ann Dalton, age 89, of Portage, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026. She was born on November 5, 1936 to William Payne Sr. and Evelyn (Becker) Payne. 

On September 8, 1956, Barbara married the love of her life, Joseph Dalton, and together they shared many wonderful years devoted to their family. Barbara was a dedicated homemaker whose greatest joy was creating a warm and welcoming home. She also helped with farm produce and worked for Wilcox Bus Service.

She enjoyed tending to her garden. She loved baking for family and friends, sharing her delicious treats as a way of expressing her love. Above all, Barbara was known for her kind and caring heart. She was often described as everyone's angel on Earth, always ready with a helping hand, a comforting word, or a warm smile. Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering love touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She is survived by her daughter JoEllyn (Mike) Schultz; son Thomas (Rhonda) Dalton; grandchildren Lisa Larson, Jeremy Krueger, Josh (Jessica) Hill, Alisha Hill, David (Christy) Schultz and Brenda Schultz; great-grandchildren James and Josephine Hoel, Brenden and Ashlynn Krueger, Amaya and Kayla Hill, Austin and Isabelle Hill, Sarah and Kaitlin Schultz, Jacob Schultz; sister Leona (Charles) McLaughlin; brother-in-law Alfred Haberkorn; sister-in-law Laura Payne; special niece Mary Ellen Zuther; Bill Hayes’ children Bob Hayes and Sue (Rick) Duerst; Bill’s grandchildren Zac and Brooke Duerst and many other nieces, nephews and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Dalton; son James Dalton; daughter Elizabeth Dalton; son Charles Dalton; sister Kay Haberkorn; sister Janice Lang; brother-in-law Richard Lang; brother William Payne Jr.; special friend William Hayes Sr. and his son William Hayes Jr.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, Pardeeville- John Henry Newman Parish. (formally St. Faustina). Visitation will be held at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and again at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at Church on Friday. Burial will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo. 

A special thank you to the First Responders and UW Madison staff. 

Mom, you were truly our Angel on Earth, we love you and miss you dearly.