Gwenn L. Barber

September 24, 1919 - December 4, 2019

Gwenn Lenore Barber, 100, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. She was born September 24, 1919, in Randolph, Nebraska, the daughter of LeRoy and Nellie Strom Raber. Gwenn graduated from Whiting High School with the Class of 1935 and later received her teaching degree from Wayne State College in Nebraska in 1938. She taught school in Redfield and Van Wert, Iowa for four years. On May 26, 1942, she was united in marriage to Harold R. Fuller in Onawa, Iowa. To this union a daughter Karen was born. Gwenn and her family moved to Oskaloosa in 1943. Harold died on October 13, 1989. She was later united in marriage to Leonard E. Barber on May 11, 1991 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Leonard passed away in 2003. Gwenn worked at Ideal Manufacturing Company in Oskaloosa for 30 years until retiring in 1981 as Office Manager. After retirement, she devoted her time to her activities and committees that she served. She was a director of Girl Scouts early in its existence before it became Girls, Inc., and coordinated the activities of all Girl Scout and Brownie Troops in Oskaloosa. She served on the Indian Hills Community College Advisory Board, President of the Oskaloosa School Board and Director of the Church Women United Ecumenical Food Cupboard. Gwenn also served on the Church Board at the First Christian Church and became one of the first women Elders and was honored as Elder Emeritus. Gwenn was also a part of the Kiwanis Ladies, P.E.O. Chapter IO, Altrusa Club, King’s Daughter Silver Cross Chapter, TRI Star Chapter 99, and Hospice. She was the Oskaloosa Citizen of the Year in 1990. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter: Karen (Larry) Hart of Oskaloosa; two grandchildren: Brent Hart and Jason (Jackie) Hart; one great grandchild: Jackson Hart; Leonard’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gwenn was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, two sisters: Vivian Shively and Maxine Huster, and one brother: LeRoy Raber. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will follow services in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Ecumenical Cupboard or First Christian Church.