Barbara Edwards

Barbara N. Edwards, the only child of Walter Bruce Martin and Myra Lee "Nellie" (Guthrie) Martin, was born November 23, 1908 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Martin family eventually moved to Chillicothe, Missouri where Barbara graduated from high school.

Barbara owned and operated a popular restaurant in Kansas City where she met and married Dr. Charles Kenneth "C.K." Edwards, a physician in Kansas City, Missouri.
Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Mary Kay, who was delivered by her father. "Barb and Doc" contributed in many ways to society and are noted for having raised eight "sons." This was at a time in history when being a foster parent was not subsidized by the government. These eight boys were from underprivileged families known by Barbara and Dr. Edwards, and who were unable to care for their sons. Barbara and Dr. Edwards gave each boy the opportunity to attend college. Following the early retirement of Dr. Edwards, the couple moved to their ranch near Iconium, Missouri. They also maintained a home in Gladstone, Missouri where Dr. Edwards passed away on September 24, 1966. Barbara continued to live in Gladstone until moving in 1970 to Butler, Missouri, where she was active in her church and greatly enjoyed being a community volunteer at local hospital and the county wide senior citizen transportation system.

In 1986, Barbara moved to Glenwood, Iowa to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Nema." She attended Grace United Methodist Church, and enjoyed playing cards with her friends. Barbara loved being with people and liked everyone she met. In 2004, she moved to Linnwood Estates and to Glen Haven Home in 2006.

Surrounded by her loving family and "Glen Haven family" , Barbara died at Glen Haven Home on July 18, 2008 at the age of 99 years, 7 months, and 25 days. In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Kay Hockabout and grandchildren, Ryon Wood of Winterset, Iowa, Holly Schutzenhofer and husband Alex and their daughter Madelyn, and Lindsey Hockabout and fiancA(c)e, Andy Andersen, all of Omaha, Nebraska; many friends in Glenwood and at Glen Haven Home.

At Barbara's request, no visitation or memorial service will be held. She was looking forward to a 100th birthday party. A celebration of her life will be held on what would have been her 100th birthday, November 23, 2008. An invitation to family and friends will be announced at a later date.

Her love, her spirit and the inspiration she gave all of us will never fade and she will always remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in her name at Hospice with Heart, Glen Haven Home and the Glenwood Public Library.