Barbara Chaney Molstedt

Barbara Chaney Molstedt, a loving mother and avid actress, slipped easily from her earthly bonds into her eternal home on Saturday, Sept. 26. Born in Geary, Ok. and raised in Dallas and Pharr Tx, she attended The Hockaday School in Dallas,Tx, and graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Tx. She migrated to Baton Rouge in 1951, where she met and married Bailey E. Chaney. For decades, Barbara was active in the Baton Rouge Little Theater, earning 6 Best Actress Awards, and was inducted into the BRLT Hall of Fame. Even before Louisiana was known as "Hollywood South", she was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and acted in nationally released movies filmed in the area. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, and wrote and directed several theatrical productions there, notably "Jonah vs. God". She was predeceased by her parents, James O. Bailey and Gladys Seaman Bailey, brother, Robert O. Bailey, first husband, Bailey E. Chaney, daughter, Kathleen Chaney, and second husband, Byron V. Molstedt. She is survived by her son, Robert E. Chaney, and daughter-in-law, Anne, her sister, Mary Ellen Webster, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to the Theatre Baton Rouge, or a charity of your choice . Visitation and services will take place at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. on Saturday, October 3, with visitation from 12-2, followed by the service, to be conducted by longtime friend, Reverend Tim Hatcher.