BARBARA ANN SCHOW

LAMAR- A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends of Barbara Ann Schow (Wilkening), 84, Lamar, who died peacefully at the family farm on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

The family encourages those wishing to honor her legacy to consider financially supporting Fair Haven Children's Home (www.fairhavenchildrenshome.com) or Orphan's Lifeline International (www.orphanslifeline.org).

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Selmer; two children, Mark Schow, Carterville and Debra Schow-Smith, Webb City; grandchildren, Stephen Smith, Kansas City, Mo., Jacob Smith and wife Erin, Webb City and Andrew Smith and fiance Maya, Webb City; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Christian, Malaki, Elena and Connor; two sisters, Sharon Blanton, Lisle, Ill. and Darlene Brown and husband Mike, Holland, Mich. and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred and his wife Bonnie Wilkening.

The oldest of four siblings, Mrs. Schow was born May 7, 1938, in Aurora, Ill., to Fred and Irene (Mueller) Wilkening. She spent her formative years in and around Aurora and Tucson, Ariz., making countless memories with friends as she never met a stranger.

After graduating from Aurora East High School in Illinois, Barbara attended Walther Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, where she was selected for an RN apprenticeship in Washington D.C. before starting her nursing career in pediatrics. She would eventually trade in her nurse's cap to be a stay-at-home mom for 20 years before returning to the medical field in the 90's to work in geriatric care.

She married the love of her life, Selmer Schow on Sept. 26, 1970, in Wilmington, Ill. Following their nuptials the couple relocated to Tucson, Ariz., where they added two children to their family, Mark Schow and Debra Schow-Smith. In the mid 80's the family of four moved from the suburbs to a small farm in Lamar.

Known for her baking skills, Mrs. Schow spent many hours in the kitchen creating delicious treats and perfecting her status as pizza master. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting in her younger years and loved munching on popcorn, especially caramel corn.

She loved the Lord and was an active member of the Lamar Church of Christ. She belonged to the Horse Creek Homemakers; was a past Cub Scout Den mother, Girl Scout parent and soccer mom and was a never-ending cheerleader for her family.