Barbara Ann (Reese) Kendrick
June 10, 1937 – November 2, 2023
Barbara was the dear daughter of the late Vernon A. and Zella M. Reese; the loving wife of the late Edward Earl Kendrick. Dear mother of Theresa Yvonne (Kendrick) Worley and her spouse: James Allen Worley. Dear grandmother of Jennifer Lynn (Worley) Stratman and her spouse: Timothy Stratman, Jeramie Lee Worley and his spouse: Kelly (Whitaker) Worley. Loving great grandmother of Daphne Yvonne Worley, Ethan James Worley, and Ellis Kendrick Worley. She was the dear sister of the late Marlin Otto Reese , the late Marvin Leon Reese, the late Verlin Albert Reese, Verna Dean (Reese) Strong and her spouse: Roy Strong,, Alberta Faye (Reese) Hires and her spouse: Lester Hires, Delores Kaye (Reese) Duck and her spouse: Jerry Duck, the late Sylvia Sue Reese, and the late Carrie Reese. She had many nieces, and nephews, and also many, many friends.
Barbara was the first of 9 children born to Vernon and Zella (Horn) Reese. She grew up quickly, caring for her siblings as they began to arrive in quick succession. Though too young in today’s standard she was already a capable, mature young lady when she met Edward Kendrick. Ed and Barb fell in love, and she was wooed by his charms. They eloped the day after Christmas in 1952. They lived humbly and happily in southeast Missouri working and helping Edward’s father on the farm. They were blessed with one child, Theresa, in March of 1954. Hoping for a more prosperous life they headed off to St. Louis, MO in 1956 where Edward had secured a position at American Can Company. Barbara stayed home with Theresa until she went off to kindergarten and then Barbara got a job with Prince Gardner Leather Goods where she was a line supervisor for 25 years. When Prince Gardner closed, Barbara worked for 5 years at Washington University School of Medicine as a receptionist in the Personnel Office. Barb and Ed (as they were known) had a wonderful, very full life, of great friends, a loving family. Their commitment to God kept them busy with work at church and community. Barb retired early with Ed, and they moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, Eldon, MO and Sainte Genevieve, MO over the years. Barb was an avid golfer and Ed was her best partner. They also traveled with friends and enjoyed a more than 30-year retirement life together. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage before Ed passed away in 2019.
Along the way, Theresa married James Worley and Barbara stayed close with them as their family grew. It didn’t matter where they lived, they made time to be together as family.
Barbara adored her two grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Stratman and Jeramie Lee Worley. She spent all the time she could with them as infants and young children and continued to stay close as they grew into adults and married. She loved and cherished Tim Stratman, Jennifer’s husband and Kelly Whitaker Worley, Jeramie’s wife as her own. She loved the calls, texts, and visits from all of them and she loved visiting their homes. Barbara was also blessed with 3 great grandchildren, Daphne Yvonne, Ethan James and Ellis Kendrick Worley. She loved each and every one of her family members and prayed for them every single day!
Barbara served the Lord and worked in whatever capacity she could at her church. She was a faithful servant of God. She was the spiritual rock of her family.
Most recently Barbara resided in Inverness, FL with Theresa and Jim. She loved her new home within their home. She loved the sunshine, the flowers, the birds, and the peacefulness of the area. She loved her white, furry buddy Jake!! She never tired of telling everyone what a smart dog he was. She loved her morning cups of coffee on the lanai and woke up every day with a happy, thankful heart for her home and the love of her family.
Now, on this day, November 11th, 2023 – the day that would have been Ed’s 92nd birthday, we are committing her back to God and to our hearts and memories as the best Mom, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, and Friend.
May she rest always in peace.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Friday, November 10 from 6:00 pm until 8:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Kutis.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Ste. Genevieve Memorial Hospital
Jim @ Theresa,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Barbara. I often think of all of you in Florida, and wonder how all of you are doing. I can still see her sitting on the porch and reading or visiting with a neighbor. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gerald & Mary Jane Operle