CRESWELL – This basketball season just isn’t going to be the same without the “Gonzaga Grandma.”
Barbara Few, who would have turned 93 next month, died on Friday, Nov. 14 after a three- or four-week illness, according to her husband, retired Rev. Norm Few.
Together, the Few family has long been Creswell’s First Family when it comes to basketball. For starters, son Mark – after graduating from the University of Oregon – has been the record-setting coach at Gonzaga for 27 years. The school’s website noted how she lifted her arms in celebration every time the Zags hit a shot.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Barbara Ann Few on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. While we grieve deeply, we also rejoice knowing she is now dancing in heaven with her savior, our Lord Jesus Christ,” the website wrote.
Norm, the popular, quick-witted, longtime pastor at Creswell’s First Presbyterian Church, estimates that he performed 1,400 funeral services and over 1,000 weddings before hanging up his clergy robe.
“This one will be a lot more difficult than all of the others,” Norm said Sunday. “That’s why I’m glad I’m not doing the service.”
Former Creswell Mayor Dave Stram will be performing Barbara Few’s memorial service on Friday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, Norm would like visitors to please consider donating to the church.
While rooting for the Zags and the Ducks, Barbara also was a huge fan of the Beavers, having graduated from the Oregon State Nursing School. Norm, who recently turned 95, went to school at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., where he grew up (which was erroneously reported in a previous story).
The family – which includes four children and 11 grandchildren – has had a vested interest in the Ducks, Beavers, and Zags – especially with Mark’s son Joe playing for Gonzaga the last four years. His brother AJ recently signed on as Boise State’s new director of player personnel, so the Fews now have another team to follow.
Let’s hope one of the Few family teams go all the way this season.
And win one for Barbara.
