Barbara Worley

Barbara Louise Worley, 99

Barbara Louise Worley died August 17th after a brief illness. She was born south of Stuart, Nebraska, on January 10, 1926, to Charles “Bud” and Louise Moses—the first of their eight children. She grew up helping on the family farm and caring for her younger siblings. Barbara often said she learned to drive by going mostly backwards in the fields, running the hay stacker.

She graduated from Stuart High School in 1943 and, just months later, began teaching her own class in a country school west of Atkinson. Her teaching career eventually brought her to Omaha, where she met Donald Worley. They married during spring break of 1955 and began a life together that would span many states and decades.

Donald’s work took the family to several western states before they settled in Orange County, California, where Barbara resumed her teaching career. A final job-related move brought them to Santa Barbara, where they both retired; Barbara, at age 67, fifty years after she first led a classroom.

Barbara was active in the Elks Auxiliary, took pride in keeping a welcoming home, and cherished visits with family. She made regular trips back to Holt County for Stuart High School reunions and the annual Estes/Moses family gathering at her cousin Ray and Mary Catherine's place, just across the road from where she grew up.

After Don’s passing, Barbara moved to Minnesota to be closer to her son Don and his family, and to enjoy the pleasures of Midwest living once again. She continued to travel, including visits back to Nebraska, California, and a memorable trip to London. Whether it was her age—just a few months older than Queen Elizabeth—or her passing resemblance to Her Majesty, Barbara seemed to receive special treatment at customs and on the Tube.

Barbara is survived by her sister Dr. Faye Mata; brother Don Moses (Norine); daughter Debra Rojas (Jose); son Don (Kimberly); grandchildren Brett Hill, Carmen Rojas (Chris Van Auken), José Rojas (Kristy), Julia Rojas, and Cedar Marden (Joseph); great-grandson Moses Marden, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; five siblings; her sons Dean and Dale; and her grandson; Josh Worley.

Barbara’s life was marked by resilience, service, and quiet strength. She taught, traveled, and loved deeply, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and connection that will be remembered by all who knew her.