Obituary for Barbara Moses

Barbara Moses

March 11, 1939 – March 29, 2024

Barbara Ann (Young) Moses died on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Barbara was born in Watonga on March 11, 1939 to Beryl and Daisy Belle (Bridgford) Young. She attended Bridgford School, a one-room school house built on land donated by her grandfather. She excelled in school early and completed both 5th & 6th grade in one year.

Barbara attended Watonga High School where she met her high school sweetheart Donald Roger Moses. She attended Central State College (now UCO) for three semesters before marrying Don in Watonga on March 28, 1958. They moved to Oklahoma City and within five years had three children. In 1967, Don and Barbara chose to move their family to the smaller, family-focused town of Woodward, Oklahoma. They became active members of the community joining the First Christian Church, Jaycees, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce.

Barbara returned to college driving daily to NWOSU in Alva to be the first in her family to earn a college degree and eventually her Masters. She taught accounting, typing and other business classes over 19 years at Sharon-Mutual High School, Woodward High School, and Ponca City High School. Students who had Mrs. Moses as a teacher will remember her high expectations for hard work and good behavior. Barbara was unexpectedly widowed in May 1978 with three teenagers. Showing her strength, faith, and determination she raised all three kids and ensured that they all graduated from college. She was so proud of her children’s careers and accomplishments. Barbara was also exceptionally organized which allowed her to live independently late into life despite a diagnosis of Alzheimers.

Barbara spent many years traveling the world including most of Europe as well as New Zealand and Australia. Barbara was known for her quick wit. She took delight in verbally sparring with her children and grandchildren about current topics. She enjoyed playing bridge and was often admired by her friends for her card skills. She also traveled to 49 states, joking that she never found a reason to travel to North Dakota. After she retired and was done traveling she settled in Jenks, Oklahoma where she lived for ten years. She remained active in Forest Park Christian Church, trained and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, volunteered with St. Francis hospital of Tulsa, and helped her community in many other ways.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings Dale Young and Janice Rogers. She is survived by her children Bryan Moses of Tulsa, Pam (& Greg) Hunter of Ponca City, Michelle (& Brad) Hepner of Edmond. Grandchildren: Chad (& Libby) Hunter of Seattle, WA, Brooke (& Eric) Jackson of Grove, OK, Dylan (& Ciara) Hepner of Edmond, OK, Brody (& Madison) Moses of Sapulpa, OK and Landon Moses of Tulsa. Her great-grandchildren include Adler Moses, Elliot Hepner, Duke & Mia Jackson

Per Barbara’s wishes, a graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Woodward, Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 3rd at 2pm. She will be buried next to her husband. Don and Barbara are finally back together.

Throughout her life, Barbara held a strong faith in God, believed in the value of education, and encouraged children and youth to make the most of their gifts. In lieu of flowers, consider making a gift to the First Christian Church of Woodward youth ministry.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home