Barbara Jean McLarty

May 9, 1936 — March 28, 2017

Barbara Jean (Sweem) McLarty of South Sioux City passed away March 28, 2017 at her home with her loving family at her side.

Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, Nebraska, with Pastor Doug Dill officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa, after the church service. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Meyer Brothers Funeral Home in Morningside, Friday, March 31, 2017. The family will be present beginning at 6:00 pm. Condolences may be offered online at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Barbara was born in Rural Plymouth County on May 9, 1936 to Frank and Mary Sweem. She was baptized at St. Michaes Church in Leeds and later confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City.

She graduated from Oto High School in 1954, obtained her teaching certification from Wayne State College in 1956, her Bachelor’s degree in 1961 and Master’s degrees in education in 1974 from Morningside College in Sioux City.

Barbara was joined in holy matrimony with William “Bill” McLarty on June 3, 1956 at Hope Lutheran Church in South Sioux City. Together they raised three children. Mark Randall (Deceased), Denise (Chris) Kleinberg (South Sioux City) and Jill (Robert) Brown (Correctionville). She was blessed with nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Barbara was an Elementary School teacher for 37 years in the Sioux City Community Schools, retiring in 1994. She enjoyed working with students to observe the mental development in every class member. She was very active in her chosen profession, serving on curriculum committees, and assisting young teachers in the student-teacher program.

Barbara was also very active in her church, teaching Sunday school for 42 years, visiting shut-in members, and participating in church circle programs.

After retiring Barbara was an active volunteer. She assisted teachers with reading and math students, and helped recovering breast cancer patients.

Barbara is survived by her husband Bill, two daughters, Denise Kleinberg and Jill Brown, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A sister, Joann (Bill) Sparr of Moville and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son Mark, her parents Frank and Mary Sweem, two sisters Mary Francis Ensminger and Judy Turner.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the Cancer Society.

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Barbara Jean McLarty

May 9, 1936 — March 28, 2017

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