Barbara A. Wardwell

It is with a sad heart that we announce the death of Barbara Anne Wardwell who passed away on May 19th, 2023 at the age of 85 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Barb was born September 24, 1937 in Ottawa, Kansas to Helen Ruth Harrison and Howard Thompson Harrison. She grew up in Welda KS on a ten acre farm with younger sister Lynne and paternal grandmother Annie Fair Harrison.

Barb attended school in Welda where she graduated high school as salutatorian. It was here that her deep love for music began. She graduated from Baker University in 1959, where she majored in Music Education with an emphasis in voice and piano. Later in life Barb returned to school to earn her Master's Degree in Science in Education from Northern Illinois University, graduating in 1983.

While at Baker University, Barb met Donald C. Wardwell of New York. Barb and Don were married in 1959. After Baker, Barb started her teaching career in Shawnee KS. Soon Don was offered a new position in his company and they moved to Crystal Lake IL in 1965. She continued teaching elementary school music until her retirement in 2002. During these years Barb also taught piano to hundreds of eager students.

Barb leaves behind husband Don, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Deanna, and her beloved grandchildren Harrison and Lauren. She is also survived by her sister Lynne and brother-in-law Jim Wilson of Caruthersville MO, nieces and nephews Jay, Barbie, Gretchen, Joshua and Brett, and her cousin John Harrison and wife Karen of Cedar Park TX.

Barb had many hobbies, took swimming lessons, did needlepoint, enjoyed cooking, and even learned to ride a motorcycle. She was an avid reader and a frequent visitor to the library. Barb also enjoyed traveling, visiting several European countries and taking cruises to Greece and Alaska. Barb loved gardening in her backyard in Algonquin IL and was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake. She sang in the choir every Sunday, was involved in youth programs and served as director of the youth choir.

Barb lived the final year of her life in Conroe, Texas near Jeff. She continued to sing, play the piano and spread joy to everyone she met. Dearly loved by all who were blessed to know her, Barb cared so deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and passionate, and made an impact on many lives. Our dear Barb .... wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend - an angel who will be forever missed!

A service for family and close friends will be held at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Garnett, Kansas, on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Barb's family will greet friends at 1:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Welda Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be left at ALZ.ORG. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .