Barbara A. Echelbarger age 96 of Clinton, IA passed away Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025 at Bickford of Clinton. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Monday Jan. 13th at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clinton. Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until the service hour at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Clinton. Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com. Memorials may be made to the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation of Beaumont, TX or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clinton.
Barbara was born May 11, 1928 in Clinton. She was a graduate of Lyons High School in 1946. She married Harry Echelbarger June 1, 1947 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. Barbara was a stay-at-home mother, raising their three children. She was a Girl Scout Brownie leader. As a member of St. Paul’s where she served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, was a member of Hannah Circle, plus other church activities. She later worked at the Clinton Courthouse as deputy Clerk of Court where she was instrumental in computerizing the work of the court system. She retired in 1989.
Barbara is survived by her three children, The Reverend David Echelbarger (The Reverend Christine Thomas-Echelbarger). Dana Echelbarger (Sally Echelbarger) and Christy Cannon (Mike Cannon), six grandchildren, one step-grandchild, eight great-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, five sisters and five brothers in laws. Special thanks to the staff at Bickford for the excellent care Barbara received.
I remember her presence in her home as welcoming and friendly, where we were free to explore the countryside and the wonderful music of those days. My condolences to you all.
– Marty Mangold
I have so many good memories of your mother, and I want to send my heartfelt condolences to Dave, Dana, Christy and their families.
Visits to Aunt Barbie were always special. We caught butterflies, and enjoyed time in the screened porch. And when my children came to visit, they enjoyed the tree swing and Aunt Barbie’s warm hugs. I loved emailing her about the latest book she’d read and politics. She shared so many family stories and photos with me, and even a tape recording of the sisters singing songs from their childhoods. I treasure those memories. She loved talking about all that was going on in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was beyond proud of each and every member of her family.
I am sorry I cannot be at the funeral, today, but you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Rhonda Puls McCollough
Aunt Barbie was the youngest and 6th of the Briggs daughters. My mother, Eleanor, was the second oldest and the only one who moved away from Iowa. My mother, brother and I came to Iowa for a couple of summers to visit before we eventually moved there. Mom stayed with Nana and Grandad next door, while Johnnie and I stayed with the Echelbarger’s.
Those summers were so special. I remember picnics at Eagle Point Park when Aunt Barbie would bring her blueberry torte, which I loved. There was a party at the Echelbarger’s house outside where Aunt Barbie, Uncle Babe and my other aunts and uncles square-danced. But most of all, I remember sitting with Aunt Barbie on the porch learning to embroider while she read “Secret Garden” to me. That has alway remained as a magical summer in my memory.
In recent years I emailed with her and she remembered so vividly her trip to San Diego to visit my mother after she graduated from high school. That was quite an adventure for her to travel alone across the country and to go out with Mom and her new boyfriend (soon to be her husband and my dad), John. They took her to Hollywood and Tijuana. She saw a high school friend who was in the Navy. I so appreciated reading her email and learning about this time.
I send my condolences to Dave, Dana, Christy and their families. Your mom lead a wonderful and long life.
I have so many fond memories of my precious Aunt Barb. She was always kind and loving. I have no doubt she is worshiping at the feet of Jesus and loving her reunion with family and friends who are welcoming her to her eternal home. My sincere condolences to Dave, Dana, and Christy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart goes out to you all on the sad passing of Barb. Barb and I met each other in high school and became fast friends. We double dated, Barb with Harry (Babe) and me with my husband, Brian and have so many memories together having so much fun. She and I used to talk on the phone all the time. We had so much in common and wished we could have gone into the same aged care facility. We would have had no end of fun together. I will truly miss her as she was a great friend. Love Marian