Barbara Walton

Barbara Jean Walton, 86, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at Kinship Pointe in McCook, NE. She was born on March 22, 1940, to Arthur and Evelyn (Kuhl) Lohse at Evangelical Deaconess Hospital in Marshalltown, IA.

Barb attended country school through the sixth grade before graduating with the Class of 1958 from Gladbrook High School in Gladbrook, IA. Following high school, she attended school in Omaha, NE, where she completed three months of Teletype training. She then began working at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Barb was united in marriage to Stan Walton, and together they raised their four children, JoAnn, Howard, DuWayne and Lenda. They later divorced.

Barb was a devoted member of Peace United Church of Christ, where she was very involved in the life of the church. She taught Sunday school, served as secretary and treasurer, and was a member of Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Gladbrook Jaycee Ettes and Royal Neighbors of America.

Barb enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved playing cards, being outdoors, working, and walking. She always had a large vegetable garden and took great pride in canning and freezing the harvest. Barb was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying Cubs baseball, Iowa football and basketball, and, more recently, Nebraska volleyball. There was often country music playing in the background while she went about her day.

Barb worked for 33 years as a cook in the Gladbrook School District lunchroom. She was known for her willingness to help others and spent many years helping people throughout the community with various odd jobs. She was someone others could count on, always willing to lend a helping hand.

In retirement, Barb spent two and a half years enjoying the beautiful Pikes Peak region of Colorado. She later moved to Trenton, NE, before making her home at Kinship Pointe in McCook. While at Kinship Pointe, Barb made many, many friends and enjoyed participating in the many activities offered each day.

During her summers in Trenton, Barb volunteered at the Massacre Canyon Museum, where she quickly considered every visitor a new friend. She also enjoyed being a member of Friends of the Library.

Barb will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, generous heart, love of the outdoors and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She found joy in staying busy, helping others and sharing her time with the people around her. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Barb was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and infant daughter LaNeta.

Those left to celebrate Barb are her children: JoAnn (Mark) Jepson, of Omaha, NE, Howard (Nikkie) Walton, of Union Grove Lake Gawin, IA, DuWayne (Robin) Walton, of Forest Lake, MN, and Lenda (Marc) Proffit, of Trenton, NE; brother, Leo (Linda) Lohse, of Gladbrook, IA; grandchildren: Beth, Stacy, Kassie, Abbie, Sadie, Cody and Morgan; along with a very special niece Jody Lohse and a very special nephew John Lohse; four great grandchildren: Audrianna, Isaac, Cambrie and Stetson; and six step grandkids and six step great grandkids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Angles Care Hospice, 711 E 11th St, Suite A1, McCook, NE 69001; OR Gladbrook Fire Department, PO Box 309, Gladbrook, IA 50635-0309; OR Peace United Church of Christ, 201 W Johnston St., Gladbrook, IA 50635.

A memorial gathering will take place at Kinship Pointe, McCook, NE on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with Chaplin Tyler Theissen giving words of Comfort.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook, IA, with Reverand John Granchie as officiant.

Following the service, there will be a luncheon and family greeting friends in the church’s basement.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.