Barbara Jean Glasford

Barbara Jean Glasford, 89, of Newton died on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Newton Health Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 27, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service with a lunch at the funeral home.  Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital may be left at the funeral home.

Barbara, the daughter of John and Edith (Terrell) Reed, was born on June 20, 1933 in Oskaloosa.  She spent most of her childhood living between Aurora, Illinois and Albia, Iowa. In 1951, Barbara graduated from Albia High School. On May 20, 1955, Barbara was united in marriage with Robert Glasford in Albia. Robert and Barbara lived in many locations following Robert’s career in education. Those places include, Albia, Maryville, Missouri, Chariton, Dunkerton, Leon, and Stanton, before making their home in Newton for several years.  During that time Barbara worked at Safeway and for Newton Manufacturing. They then left and lived in Barnum, Lone Tree, and Memphis, Missouri prior to making Newton their final home in 1991. Upon returning, Barbara worked at Mid-Iowa Savings Bank.

Barbara loved Christmas and had a side business wrapping presents for people, some years she would wrap over 1000 gifts.  She also enjoyed playing Bridge and going to and having garage sales. Barbara’s other interests include coloring, audio books, and going to Il Divo concerts.

Barbara is survived by her twin daughters, Bobette (Ed) McCleary of Newton and Bridget (Mike) Hanson of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Dr. Kaci McCleary (Tony Koford), Kristin Hanson (John Kendall), and Erik Hanson; a great-grandchild, Oakley Kendall and one more great-grandchild on the way; her siblings, Shirley Patrick of Fremont, Nebraska and Mary (Ed) Datschefski of Clark Summit, Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law, Gail Clouse of Albia.  She was preceded in death by her father, John Reed; mother, Edith Clouse; husband, Robert Glasford; and siblings, Geraldine Rockwell, John Clouse, and Ed Clouse.