BARBARA ANN WALTER
Barbara Ann Walter, daughter of Gerald and Ariel (Green) Keller, was born December 21, 1929 at Clearfield, Iowa. Barb later helped welcome into the family her younger brother, Phillip. Barb grew up on a farm southwest of Diagonal and she graduated from Diagonal High School with the class of 1949.
On July 8, 1956, Barb was united in marriage to Raymond Everett Walter in the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr. To this union were born two sons: Eric Ray and Roger Eugene.
Barb had a love for children and their education. She began her career as a teacher in a country school; taught a few years in Kellerton and then taught kindergarten at Mount Ayr Elementary School for over 30 years. As she taught, she also continued to learn. Barb earned her Masters in Education from Graceland College in 1971.
Barb loved the beauty of nature. She loved birds, flowers and caring for her yard. Barb collected angels, dolls and butterflies. Barb had a love for the Iowa State Fair. It was a tradition for 60 years. Barb was a dedicated and active member of the First Christian Church, serving in many capacities. She was also a member of the Lions Club and helped with the American Legion Auxiliary. After Raymond passed away, Barb kept busy with her many friends; going to church dinners and socials.
Barb handled her diabetes with grace and perseverance. She never complained and worked hard to control it. Due to her health, Barb became a resident of Clearview Home in Mount Ayr. On May 8, 2019, at the conclusion of hearing scriptures and being prayed over, Barb passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray, on October 10, 1995; and brother, Phillip Keller, and his wife, Mary; step-grandson, Lucas Sweeney; parents-in-law, Everett and Bessie Walter and brothers-in-law, Doyle, Lyle, Jerald, Glen, Richard and Robert.
Survivors include her sons, Eric (Brenda) Walter of Mount Ayr and Roger (fiancé Debora) Walter of Diagonal; step-grandchildren, Kory Andrews, Kelsi (Ryan) Brockelman, Alicia (Ryan) Lens, Tonya (Jon) Waters and step-great grandchildren, Makayla and Landen Brockelman, Austin Sweeney, Bryson Lens, Hallie Keeler, Corbin and Colson Waters; sisters-in-law, Beulah Walter and Edna Jones; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
Services were at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officiating was Pastor Darin Dolecheck.
Musicians were Elsie Schafer and Ginny Eighmy. Songs were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”.
Active casket bearers were Bradley Bentley, Kevin Glick, Deric Drake, Michael Bentley, David Freed and Ed Rotert.
Honorary casket bearers were Phillip Burmeister, Eugene Dillenburg, Steve Worthington, John Rychnovsky, Alan Bentley, Russell Hughes and Joe Routh.
Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Memorials are to the First Christian Church and the Mount Ayr Public Library.
