Barbara Kay Struckhoff of Athol, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January
4th, 2022, at Smith Center Health and Rehabilitation of Smith Center
She was born in Hastings, Nebraska, on December 29, 1943, to Vincent and Emerald Norton and she was the 4th of 5 children.
She graduated from Franklin, Nebraska Public School in 1962. Shortly
after graduation she married the love of her life Robert Edward
Struckhoff on June 24th, 1962 in the United Methodist church of
Franklin, Nebraska. Of this union two boys were born John Edward
Struckhoff September 19th, 1963 and James J Struckhoff November 14th,
1966.
After marriage, Bob’s construction work lead them to Burdett, Kansas, and then finally Albion, Nebraska while in Albion Robert had an accident
that caused life-threatening injuries, after many months of caring for
Bob while he was in the hospital, they were then led back to Bob’s
family farm where they partnered in farming for 56 years. Barbara spent
many hours milking cows, driving tractors, gardening, and being a
loving mother and so much more. While still helping on the family farm
Barbara worked at KN Energy, for the Smith County Appraisers Office and
finally 20 years of being a nursing assistant and ward clerk at Smith
County Memorial Hospital.
In 1987, she was able to get the home of her dreams, while at her new
home she developed a love for water gardens and flowers, she loved to
share her flowers. She also enjoyed painting with her friends on
Wednesdays, she painted many pictures that she gave to family.
Other important parts of her life included being a member of Athol
United Church, traveling with her sister and brother-in-law (Janis and
Gary Greening), chasing kids and grandkids to and from sporting events
and other activities.
In July of 2020 Robert and Barbara had to leave the family farm due
to health issues and moved to Smith Center Health and Rehabilitation,
Barb enjoyed the staff very much that cared for and quick to give staff
hugs.
Those left to Cherish her memories: Husband, Robert Edward
Struckhoff, Sons, John Struckhoff of Kensington; Jim (Trisha) Struckhoff
of Smith Center; Grandchildren: Alyssa Jones, Ashley Struckhoff
(Dalton), Ragen Struckhoff, Reece Struckhoff, Addie Struckhoff, Joel
(Heidi) Struckhoff, Samantha (Paul) Carswell ;Great Grandchildren;
Kaley, Ryder, Harley, many family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Emerald Norton,
her father and mother-in-law, Eddie and Geneva Struckhoff; brother,
Ronald Norton, and grandson, Ryan Struckhoff.
Click HERE for service details.