Barbara Jantz

May 23, 1937 - October 20, 2020

Barbara Jantz Jefferson, Iowa Date of Death: October 20, 2020 Barbara Lou Curry was born on May 23, 1937 to Virgil and Anna (O’Neal) Curry at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, NE. While working in the kitchen of a Bible school in Colorado Springs, CO, Barbara met Kenneth Jantz. As Kenneth says, “it was love at first sight.” On August 11, 1957 they were united in marriage in Lewellen, NE. They lived in Denver, CO where Kenneth worked at Firestone Tire. Kenneth and Barbara earnestly prayed and desired to start their family. On November 28, 1963 after a long-awaited time, they opened their hearts and home to welcome their first adopted daughter, Debra Annette who was six weeks old. The family moved to Salt Lake City, UT and on June 25, 1967 they adopted a second daughter, Pamela Dawn. Kenneth’s job with The Firestone Company moved the family to Orange County, CA. Barbara loved the year-round sunny, warm weather of Southern California. She worked for a few years as a Unit Clerk at Anaheim Memorial Hospital. Barbara later made the decision to leave the workforce to be a homemaker. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. More than anything, she enjoyed being with and taking care of her family. She had an endless portion of love for everyone. Barbara loved eternal and made sure that you were important and loved. She loved to craft, sew, cook and bake. Daughter Debra recalls at one time Barbara took a cake decorating class and the family ended up eating cake every week! Barbara loved to play folk songs and hymns on piano. She loved to listen to songs by The Gaither’s and Lawrence Welk. Barbara always left the house dressed for the occasion - even if it was going to buy strawberries or to the park to feed the ducks. Her hair was always perfect. Her faith in Christ was strong. She regularly attended services at the Fullerton Nazarene, Anaheim Nazarene and Yorba Linda Friends Church. She loved to listen to her favorite preacher, Pastor Holland Lewis while his wife, Mary Lewis, played piano and sang. Barbara prayed for her family daily. She wanted all of them to know that she loved them and that her desire was for them to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. After 51 years, Barbara and Kenneth decided to move from their California home. In May 2016, they moved to Jefferson, IA. They enjoyed being with family, and having meals at Angie’s Teagarden and Peony Chinese Restaurant. On October 20, 2020, Barbara was promoted to heaven. She is in the presence of Father God, her Savior, Jesus Christ and her family. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Jantz of Jefferson, IA; daughters: Debra (Alan Shriver) Bridgewater of Jefferson, IA, and Pamela Hales of Lake Elsinore, CA; sister, Vergilee Jenewein of Scotts Bluff, NE; brother, Dale (Emily) Curry of Gering, NE; grandchildren: Ryan (Tasheena) Sebourn of Jefferson, IA, Sean (Miranda) Sebourn of Jefferson, IA, Dustin Bridgewater of Jefferson, IA, Jared (Jamie) Hales, Luke (Noelle) Hales, Micah (Sarah) Hales all of California, and Abigail Hales of Arizona; 8 great-grandchildren; Nieces; Nephews; other relatives; and friends. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Interment will be at Mineral Ridge Cemetery, Ridgeport, Iowa. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com. Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home 515-386-2171