Barbara Walters

Jared's Granny Walters passed away this past week after a number of years of being sick. The next weekend, the children and grandchildren came and gathered in Newdale to commemorate her life and to be with Grandpa and with one another.

It was touching and heartbreaking to be with my grandpa. He appreciated so much the efforts that so many people made to be there - he mentioned that a number of times throughout the weekend.

One of the greatest legacies that Granny left was the desire she and Grandpa have for their family to remain close friends. It was very apparent throughout the weekend the close family ties that are present because of time spent with one another.

We were sad to not have Kalle and Paul with us as they were in Europe, but they were in our thoughts.

I was able to have some sweet conversations with Grandpa about Granny, her influence on him and on the family.

Granny looked peaceful, and the service was beautiful, with touching messages and a song performed by the grandchildren.

We are lucky to be part of such a strong family!

Barbara LaRue Schwendiman Walters - Obituary

Barbara LaRue Schwendiman Walters, 90, of Newdale, slipped away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. She was born in the family home on July 13, 1924, in Newdale, Idaho, the oldest daughter of Harvey and Gladys Rush Schwendiman. She was always so happy to have grown up and raised her own children in this close-knit community.

She graduated from Sugar-Salem High School, where she was the yearbook editor, president of the Pepper Club and class officer. She attended Colorado Women's College in Denver, Colo., and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. Home economics education was her major. Education was a high priority throughout her life. She continued to be a lifelong learner and encouraged and made it possible for her children and grandchildren to take advantage of extra educational opportunities.

On July 31, 1946, she married Warren J. Walters, a classmate and friend from high school, in the Cardston, Alberta, Canada LDS Temple. They shared a tender, loving marriage that lasted nearly 69 years. During their early married years, they lived in Madison, Wis., Butte, Mont., and Norfolk, Va., as Warren continued his education and military service. They settled in Newdale, where they raised their family of six children, and Barbara was a great strength and support to her husband as they established a career in the potato growing, shipping and farming industry.

As a busy mother, Barbara found many ways to serve and contribute in the community. She served on the Fremont County Hospital Board, Sugar-Salem School Board and the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Committee, where she was respected for her leadership and wisdom. She served as the first female jury foreman in Fremont County.

Barbara and Warren enjoyed many opportunities to travel. Business meetings and conventions took them to cities all over the United States, and they also traveled together to Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Israel, South America, Mexico and Hawaii.

She found fulfillment throughout her life as she served others. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as Relief Society counselor and teacher, Primary president, member of the Stake Primary Board, Relief Society president and board member at Ricks College. She always seemed to know what others needed and was generous in her love and acts of kindness.

Nurturing and sharing love with her family was always her number one priority. She provided many wonderful occasions to gather family and friends in her warm and welcoming home. She promoted regular family reunions that created special and lasting memories for her posterity. A very special "Granny" has touched the lives of each member of her family.

She is survived by her husband, Warren; six children, Jeffrey (Mona) Walters, of Rexburg; Barry (Bridgette) Walters, of Parker, Colo.; Nan (Keith) Jensen, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Julie (James) Gneiting, of Lewisville; Kalle (Paul) Davis, of Superior, Colo.; and Shawn (Patrice) Walters, of Newdale; 29 adored grandchildren; and 50 great-grandchildren.