Barbara Kenny

Barbara Kenny, 67, of Cumberland, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.

Barbara Delores Peterson was born November 25, 1941, the daughter of Frederick Madsen and Mildred Lucille (Clark) Peterson in Plainview, Nebraska. Barbara was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, also in Plainview. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1958, and attended Commercial Extension Business College in Omaha.

On December 9, 1961, Barbara was united in marriage to Bruce R. Kenny. The couple lived in Omaha, NE, Onawa, IA, and Kennard, NE, before settling in Cumberland, IA, in 1970, on her husband's grandfather's farm. Bruce and Barbara lived and worked on the farm while raising their children. She was a member of the Pine Grove United Methodist Church since 1970; the church was her second home. She served as the President of the Pine Grove United Methodist Women for 29 years. She also served as a board member and held other offices. In addition to her church work, she was a 4-H leader for 10 years.

Barbara will be remembered as a good friend who easily made her way into your heart. She was a strong, determined, devoted and creative person who cared deeply for her family and friends. She always put others before herself, here to serve, not to be served.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting and working with stained glass. Gardening was an important part of her life; roses were her longtime favorites, and most recently orchids. Most of all, she cherished her children and four grandchildren. Her years with them were so important to her.
Barbara battled cancer since November 1988, never quite getting it into remission. She fought the battle, but never won it.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Karen (Jeff) Bumsted of Polo, IL, and Linda (Brad) Westphal of Des Moines, Iowa; her grandchildren, Kara Bumsted of Davenport, IA, Dane Bumsted of Polo, IL, Adam and Aaron Westphal of Des Moines, IA; her sisters Marlene White of Fair Oaks, CA and Beverly (Glen) Sauer of Hackensack, MN; brothers-in-law, Keith (Mary) Kenny and Roger (Judy) Kenny of Schaller, IA; nieces, nephews, and her "special friends" that she will carry with her forever.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; her parents, Frederick and Mildred Peterson; her parents-in-law, Jack and Elizabeth Kenny; her brother, Paul Peterson; and her niece Joanie Stafford.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Pine Grove Methodist Church near Cumberland, IA, with burial in the Massena Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.


Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is handling the arrangements.