I think there's a song about "so much a woman" and it comes to me as I tell just a little vignette of dear Barbara. Here's the story. I was helping out at Smithville Area Assn. labor day in the early 2000s, Richard had passed, and she was as always helping out as best she could. I was working the check-out counter, and our tea, coffee, and other drinks were nearby. The lines of hungry people were getting hugh, and the coffee ran out. Somehow, Barbara saw the problem, picked up the 30-cup container, and walked it down the hill to Redman's Hall to get water.
I wanted somebody to help her, well, not that old, but obviously should have some help. I couldn't leave my post, and nobody else was nearby to call out to. Soon, she came laboring up the hill, the urn full of water. I watched her walk with determination, slowly, but assuredly that she would complete her own assigned duty.
It was a miracle to me as I sat inside the shelter house making change, but still watching that beautiful determined woman, always smiling, as she reached the shelter house and set down that 30lb or more weight of water and urn. She then turned, and returned to the line group of cooks, preparers, washers and whatever was needed at the time.
From what I know, that was always who Barbara Bartlett was.
We'll miss her. And her spirit.
Mel and Linda Erman
