Barbara Jean (Sweem) McLarty 1936 - 2017

SWEEM, MCLARTY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/2/2017 at 01:14:12

Sioux City Journal
31 March 2017

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

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, with the Rev. Doug Dill officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present at 6 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

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

She graduated from Oto (Iowa) 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. They raised three children, Mark Randall (deceased), Denise (Chris) Kleinberg (South Sioux City) and Jill (Robert) Brown (Correctionville, Iowa). She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was an elementary school teacher for 37 years with 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; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joann (Bill) Sparr of Moville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

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

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