Barbara Jean Eaton

Barbara Jean Eaton, formerly of Cozad, Nebraska, died on January 18, 2023 at the Immanuel Trinity Village, Papillion, Nebraska at the age of 98.

She was born on October 9, 1924 in Burlington, Colorado, daughter of Claude and Lucille (Brandenberg) Williams, and raised in Cozad where she graduated from high school in 1942.

After high school, she and several girlfriends moved to Los Angeles for a life adventure. It was during World War 2, and they worked as waitresses, factory workers, and as tellers at Bank of America.

Several years later she returned to Nebraska and connected with Calvin Eaton, another former student from Cozad. In 1949 they married at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The couple moved to Cozad in 1951 where Calvin was self-employed in custom farming and ranching, and later as a salesman for the Garst Seed Company. While with Garst, the couple were able to travel as part of a rewards program, and destinations included Miami, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, Hawaii, and even Portugal.

Barbara was a housewife and loving mother to four children. When the youngest was in high school she was proud to return to the workforce with Cozad public schools. For ten years she transported special needs students to Lexington and stayed as a teacher’s aide during school hours.

She was a member of the Cozad First United Methodist Church for over 70 years, where she was actively involved in Lady’s Circle, and volunteered teaching Sunday school and working in the church’s thrift store.

Barbara was an avid bridge player. For many years she and Calvin played bridge with other couples, and later played in bridge marathons with a larger part of the community. She continued to play after moving to her retirement home, and there was often a long list of phone messages asking her to join a game. Her children firmly believe that this activity kept her sharp and witty until the end.

Survivors include four children: Cherie (Eaton) Stackhouse of Omaha, Nebraska; Pat Eaton  and Glen Garner of Denver, Colorado; Kevin Eaton and Guy Wheatley of Los Angeles, California; and Gregg and Diane (Worrell) Eaton of Lincoln, Nebraska. Other survivors include five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband Calvin Eaton, Claude and Lucille (Brandenberg) Williams, brothers Lawrence Williams and Rodney Williams, and son-in-law Roger Stackhouse.

Memorials are suggested to the Cozad United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Gahn officiating.