Obituary of Barbara Jo Moore

What do you say about someone whose favorite saying was, “I never met a stranger”? Who always had a smile on her face? Who found joy in the smallest of things and lived life in the moment? Who put the feelings of others ahead of her own? Simple words cannot convey our great sadness as we communicate the passing of Barbara Jo Moore, whose love of family took precedence over all. Mother to Doug and Rick; mother-in-law to Sydnie and Paula; grandmother (G-ma) to Katy, Jimmy, Duncan and Cliff and wife to Bobby – her beloved husband of 63 years whom she lost just nine months ago – she will be forever missed. From humble beginnings in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia to studies at the highly regarded Berea College, which provides a higher education to kids from Appalachia, Barbara’s southern roots always prevailed in her warm, gracious approach to all. Her college experience was highlighted by the chance encounter on a rainy evening with the love of her life, Bobby. “I knew when I met him that I was going to marry him,” she would say in her gentle and endearing drawl. After getting married at Berea, Barbara and Bobby built a life together that took them to San Francisco, Lexington, Ky.; Fort Dodge, Iowa (where their boys were raised); Kansas City, Mo. and finally to Arizona and their beloved golf community of Sun City West, where they found their perfect retirement spot. Barbara began her professional career as a music and pre-school teacher and later began teaching second and third grades at Corpus Christi School in Fort Dodge, where she worked for more than twenty years, touching hundreds of young lives. The consummate teacher, she was conscientious yet caring – and held every student in the highest regard. She shared memories, wisdom, and stories about her teaching days many years after retiring. She loved music and was gifted with the innate ability to play piano effortlessly by ear. Family times like Christmas will never be the same without gathering around as she played song after song – this was truly a talent that conveyed her gentle spirit. Those she left behind will always remember Barbara as pure in thought and forever positive. Even as she was drained of the energies of life by cancer, she worried most about imposing on those who gathered to help her. Our lives will be less bright in her absence, but stronger with the many sweet memories she left. Go in peace, and give Bobby a hug from us. A small private family gathering will be held in lieu of a funeral. Those who wish to send a memorial gift in Barbara’s name can donate to Berea College (www.berea.edu/give) to enable others to start their wonderful life adventure just like Bobby and Barbara did so many years ago.