Barbara L. Cruikshank, age 89, of Nebraska City passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at her home.
Barbara Lavonne Cruikshank was born on April 25, 1933 in Auburn, NE to Lola Marie (Hays) Mertes. She attended school in Peru where she participated in band and volleyball. She graduated from Peru Prep High School.
On October 18, 1958, she was united in marriage to Thomas Fredrick Cruikshank in Peru, NE. Barbara was a loving wife and mother, who loved her family. She dedicated 20 years to taking care of her granddaughter, Megan. Megan was her life, and she cherished the time she got to spend with her. She worked at J.C. Penney for 11 ½ years, helped with the school lunch program and was a Boy Scout Troop Den Mother. Barb enjoyed doing things with her husband, Tom, especially car rides, going to garage sales and their Friday night meals at the Lorton Lounge. When their children were younger, the family enjoyed many Sunday drives that ended with a treat at the Dairy Sweet.
Some of her favorite pastimes were crossword puzzles, crocheting, and going to garage sales. She especially enjoyed decorating for holidays big and small and had décor for every month of the year. She also loved the food channel and cooking. Barb was known by the neighborhood kids for her famous cookie drawer. She was loved by all who knew her, and she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Joseph McLaughlin (fiance' Nancy Peter) of Scottsdale, AZ, Devlynn Snyder (Phil) of Lincoln, NE, Phillip Cruikshank (significant other Deb Gillespie) of Nebr. City, Kathleen Cruikshank of Nebr. City and Cristy Fox of Nebr. City; sister Pat Jodry (Dean) of St. Joseph, MO; brothers and sisters-in-law: Tressie “Lover” Ward of Lexington, KY, Lois Cristiano of Phoenix, AZ, Warren “Gus” Cruikshank of Nebr. City, NE and Donella Cruikshank of Brock, NE; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Cruikshank on January 26, 2019; her mother Lola Mertes; grandchildren: Megan Cruikshank and Ellie Fox; son-in-law Bud Fox; sister and brothers and sisters: Joan Hardy, Jerry Mertes, Ronald Mertes and infant sister Sandra Sue.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City with Pastor Terry Weible officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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