Edith Barber
Edith Barber
Edith Barber
July 12, 1913 – July 18, 2015
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 102
Edith Barber passed away July 18, 2015 at the age of 102.
Edith was born on July 12, 1913, to Earl Johnston and Frances Elizabeth Baird in Poweshiek County. She was one of two children.
Edith grew up and lived in Montezuma, Iowa and then moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa in the early 1960’s. Edith worked most of her life in the restaurant industries because she really enjoyed interacting with the public.
Edith married Marvin Louis Barber, from Montezuma, on May 6, 1933 in Grinnell, Iowa. He worked the pipeline during World War 2, in which they moved briefly to Texas and Missouri, but then found their way back to Iowa. They were married 58 years before his tragic death in 1991.
She was known to her family as “Nanny”. When she turned 100 years old, the family threw a huge party where they think the entire population of Mahaska and Poweshiek counties showed up. It was a grand celebration and Nanny really enjoyed seeing everyone, including those from her past.
Nanny celebrated her 102nd birthday only six days prior to leaving the Earth.
When Nanny and Pa (Marvin) were younger, they loved to dance at Deep River, Iowa, especially during their July celebrations, along with the Friday and Saturday night dances held in Montezuma.
Nanny enjoyed morning trips to McDonald’s for breakfast and coffee with her friends. She liked to play cards and Bingo. She also enjoyed tailgating at the Iowa State Cyclones home football games with her family.
Nanny is survived by her two children: son, Jerry (& DeAnn) Barber in Oregon, and daughter, Shirley Crider in Missouri. Grandchildren: Randy Crider, Janet (Crider) Euritt, Ron (& Michelle) Crider, and Michelle Barber. Great grandchildren: Lynn (Crider) Galloway, Lisa Crider, Olivia Crider and Hayden Crider. And one great great grandchild Layna Galloway, who is 6 years old.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step father, AC Stevenson; and her brother, Bob Johnston.
Private graveside services will be held at Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma at a later date.
