Obituary

Barbara Anne Anderson 

 Barbara passed away at home on April 2, 2023, with family beside her.  Services for Barbara will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, and include a visitation at 10AM, memorial service at 11AM, and graveside at Highland Sacred Gardens in Sedalia, Missouri at 1:30. 

 Barbara is preceded in death by her father Harry William Meyer (William), her mother Hannah Lucile (Thompson) Meyer (Lucy), and her younger brother William Edward Meyer (Bill).  Barbara is also preceded by her first-born child, Susan Kay Anderson (stillborn). 

 Barbara is survived by her husband of 71 years, Joe Donald Anderson, her children Vicky Anderson, and Diana Laden.  Barbara was the grandmother of two grandchildren, Arron Trowbridge, and Jessica Laden.  Additionally, Barbara is survived by six great grandchildren, Ian, Ethan, Genesis, Preston, Parker, and Isabella Trowbridge. To say Barbara loved being a grandparent would be an understatement.  There were cookies, walks, games, and always time for her grandchildren who she never seemed to be able to spoil quite enough.  Mostly, she loved them with a love that only a grandmother can give. 

 Barbara was born and grew up in Sedalia, Missouri.  Barbara attended Smith-Cotton High School.  She met her husband, Joe, in grade school and then in high school they became sweethearts, eloping and marrying on August 31, 1951. They survived hard times in Sedalia, eventually leaving for Kansas City as Joe followed work with the railroad to Kansas City. 

 It is impossible to describe someone like mom.  She was a homemaker who loved caring for her family, and grandchildren.  She was a talented person in so many ways.  Her voice had won contests at the Missouri State Fair in her youth.  She was an avid quilter, hand piecing and sewing quilts of archival quality that have become prized gifts in the family. Our clothes were often homemade, meals were homemade, garden bounty was stored up and jellies made for the family to enjoy throughout the year. She seldom saw herself as extraordinary, and perhaps that was what made her all the more so. 

 We will miss the sugar cookies that she made at Christmas, Easter, and Valentines.  We will miss hearing her singing as she did her work around the home.  We will miss the wonderful family meals we shared and gathering with her in the kitchen to prepare our holiday dinners. We will miss her excitement over a new quilt pattern or finding just the right fabric for a project.  

 Barbara was a person of strong and quiet faith.  She attended the Presbyterian church, though she had grown up Baptist.  As a child Barbara attended church frequently with her maternal grandfather.  Her grandfather was a Baptist supply pastor in Leavenworth, Kansas where mom spent summers living with her grandparents, particularly during WW II. She loved Sunday School and was a regular church goer. 

 Barbara loved to read and there was always a stack of books ready to be read.  She would share what she read, and the books would make the rounds in the family until everyone had their turn.  Her reading interests were wide ranging, though English history was a favorite topic. 

 Barbara will be missed for her quick smile, her warm heart, gentle, loving, and generous spirit.   Her enthusiasm and enjoyment of the simple moments in life will be so deeply missed. Heaven has gained an angelic voice, a heart quick to love, a smile and laugh that was always youthful.   

 Rest in God’s glory, mom.