Thursday morning, January 21 at 6:00, Barbara Ellen Sleeth entered into heaven. She was 76 years old. Her death was accounted to COVID related complications.
She was the fourth child in a line of 12. Barbara finish a 10th grade education at East High School in Des Moines, Iowa. Although, education was very important to her, she had to leave school to help with her younger siblings when her mother became ill.
Barbara was preceded in death by her one time husband and father of her children, Irving Joseph Matherne, who she married in 1964 but eventually divorced. They remained friends until his death.
Also, by her father, Loyd Richard Sleeth and her mother, Olive Louretta (Hayes)Sleeth, and by two siblings, Carol Jean Farris (Eldon), Pearl Edwin Sleeth (Mary).
Barbara is survived by, her daughter Crystal Faith Bradberry (Kevin)
Her two sons John Paul Matherne and Benjamin Joseph Matherne (Andrea).
Grandchildren: Richard James Colletti(Kally), Kisha Ellen Colletti Bradberry (Joseph), Cory James Matherne(Heather), Brandon Joseph Matherne, Kaleb Anthony Matherne, Dustin James Hebert (Aza), Elisa Marie Matherne, Ferra Ann Matherne, Kevin Allen Bradberry and Kaleb Thomas Bradberry.
Great grandchildren: Eliana Faith Elizabeth Colletti, Kaidence Josephine Bradberry, Zaiden Hayes Hebert, Elizabeth, Madelyn, and Corey Micheal Matherne
Siblings: Gilbert Zimmer( Monika), Paul Wayne, Garold Dean (Trish), James Randall (Linda), Virginia Joan Johnson,(Hal Mays), Lucy Bell Russo (Tony), Daniel Franklyn (Barb), Glenda Irene Davis (Tommy), Lola Marlene Sleeth.
A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and many cousins around the world who loved her very much.
Barbara enjoyed watching movies of all kinds and doing crafts. Her tender heart gave a warm and loving home to many stray and unwanted animals and many meals to those in need. We will truly miss her. She is united with loved ones gone before her and now sings with the angels.