Barbara R Wasmundt

Barbara Ruth Splawn Wasmundt was born April 14, 1916 in Brownsville, Oregon, and passed away November 6, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Her body will be cremated and there will be a family graveside service and internment next to her husband and son at Fairmont Cemetery on November 19. Her family felt that her 100th birthday celebration was more appropriate than either a formal funeral or memorial service. She has been in Home Hospice Care since January, 2015 (Yes, almost 2 years--she outlived their expectations) and died peacefully after a 12 day coma at her beloved home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, in 1986 and son, Richard in 1965. She leaves behind daughter Betty and son in law Don Carson; daughter Kathryn Mariano in Burbank, California; and son, Ken and daughter in law Betty in Littleton. 8 Grandchildren--Cindy Bacher, Debbie Carson, Carri Robinson, Darrel Carson; Fran Mariano, Guy Mariano; David Wasmundt and Joy Wasmundt. 7 Great grandchildren--Jeremy Carson, Dakota Robinson, Matthew Bacher, Katelyn Robinson, Lian Carson, Lexus Carson and Gia Mariano.

Barbara was born in Brownsville, Oregon to Jesse and Susan Splawn. She grew up on the family homestead with her two brothers, Merle and Harold. Barbara graduated from Brownsville High School in 1933 and left home to teach in a one-room schoolhouse in Grandview, Oregon. There she met her husband of 49 years, Carl Wasmundt. She has four children, her first born on her 22nd birthday, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Barbara moved to Englewood with her family in 1947. She returned to college when her oldest daughter Betty was working on her M.A. Degree. Barbara finished her bachelor’s degree in 1960 and together they graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1960. She taught elementary school in Englewood over the next 18 years.

Her faith was very important to her. She joined Emmanuel United Methodist Church In 1966 where she was active until the closure of the church when she transferred her membership to Littleton United Methodist Church. She was active in attending United Methodist Women and Bible Study Group every week at Emmanuel. As part of their dedication, the heating and AC in the church was installed by Carl. Both played with the bell choir. After Carl’s death In 1986, her children honored her birthday by donating a custom built music stand to the church.

She loved the cabin in Harris Park and spent many weekends with friends, relatives and family building, having sleepovers with pot lucks and pinochle parties, fishing, playing games, square dancing and just hanging out by the fire.

She made numerous trips to California to visit her daughter, Kathy and Grandchildren Fran and Guy. During these trips they spent time visiting the coast, camping, spending time in Santa Barbara visiting her brother, Harold, and teaching us to cook her favorite recipes. They were very fortunate to spend Thanksgivings with their grandmother.

She loved roses and butterflies and collected butterflies and light houses. Barbara loved the beach and going barefoot in the sand. For many years she traveled to Oregon to visit the coast and places in Eastern Oregon, visit friends and attend Brownsville Pioneer Days. She delighted in taking family members with her to help drive and spend time with each one. Boating and camping were always favorites. She enjoyed traveling and made trips to Europe, England, Ireland, Mexico and many cruises. She was a volunteer at the Belmar Historic Park for many years.

Barbara continued to enjoy her family on a regular basis. She loved to care for her great grandchildren. Every Wednesday she cooked dinner for anywhere from 6-15 family members and occasional friends. Dinner always included homemade rolls and cinnamon rolls and homemade pies. She took great pleasure in making Prayer Shawls for UMW and kneelers for the church. She enjoyed cruises and camping with her family. She also enjoyed making Bunka stitchery for her loved ones, as well as quilts and afghans. For many years she made bears and dolls for charities.

Barbara was an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa (Teacher’s Society), Amaranth, Eastern Star and Arapahoe County Retired Teachers.

Any cards can be mailed to the family at 2855 South Eaton Way, Denver, CO 80227. She requests donations be made to: The Denver Hospice, 501 S Cherry St, #700, Denver CO 80246 or to Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, c/o Patti Baker, 1701 North Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22311.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:00am at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S Quebec St, Denver, CO 80247.