Cover photo for Barbara VanDeburg's Obituary
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1924 Barbara 2010

Barbara VanDeburg

September 8, 1924 — March 9, 2010

Barbara Ann Clissold VanDeburg Barbara Ann Clissold VanDeburg was born on 8 September 1924 in Jackson, Wyoming to Harry Clissold (Mayor of Jackson for 27 years) and Lola Lyman. She had a brother, Tom (who died from diabetes at age 18) and a sister, Marjorie (who passed away in 1965). Barbara was married to William Robert "Bob" VanDeburg for 67 years. She passed away on 9 March 2010 at the age of 85 after a life of gentle and quiet service to family, friends and community. While Barbara was growing up in Jackson, she helped bottle and deliver milk for the "Sanitary Dairy," a family owned business. Her favorite pastimes with her friends were climbing Snow King Mountain, playing at the rodeo grounds, and exploring all corners of the local area on their bikes. Jackson Hole was their playground. It was at the annual Jackson Grade School field day that Barbara met Bob. He caught her attention by "borrowing" her bike when she wasn't looking. Barbara graduated valedictorian from Jackson-Wilson High School, after taking all of the business courses that were offered. Barbara and Bob were married during World War II on 29 September 1943, while Bob was home on a 5-day pass. Barbara worked for the Forest Service after graduation while waiting for Bob to return from the Army. Then they moved to the Snake River Ranch where he had grown up. During their time on the ranch their first four daughters were born (Marsha, Judy, Peggy and Bertie). Their fifth daughter, Chris, was born soon after their move to Jackson. In 1959, Bob and Barbara started WEDCO Manufacturing. The first years were a struggle, so Barbara supplemented their income by doing alterations at home for Ann's Apparel. Her ability to create designer dresses with perfect fit was legendary. Barbara continued working as a seamstress until WEDCO required a full time bookkeeper. For the next 30 years, Barbara was a meticulous master of their business finances. For over 30 years, Barbara enjoyed her membership in the Columbine Homemakers where she met many special people. She was selected as Teton County "Homemaker of the Year" for her work with Columbine and the 4-H and was also elected President of the Teton County Homemakers Council. She was well known for winning ribbons in the county fair each year in several categories, including Grand Championship ribbons for her sewing and needlepoint. This time of community leadership was also a chance for personal growth. Although she felt "painfully shy," she entered a local public speaking contest and won. Her chosen subject was "Don't Fence Yourselves In." She went on to win first place on the state level, receiving the "Qualey Award." Barbara was also talented at tole painting, knitting, gardening and cooking. She was chosen to represent Teton County in a project to create a handmade crewel chair back for one of the 22 chairs in the Wyoming State Governor's formal dining room. Barbara dedicated nine months to this beautiful piece, working her magic in spite of having hands crippled from arthritis. She was a model of great strength and determination, working through pain and illness over many years without complaint. In spite of her severe arthritis, over the years Barbara created perfectly tailored clothes, including many lovely brides' maids and wedding dresses for her daughters. She also knitted sweaters for each of her daughters and each of her 21 grandchildren. One of her most remarkable accomplishments was a quilt she created with perfectly hand sewn and embroidered depictions of the businesses around Jackson's Town Square in the 1930's. Her daughter Bertie and granddaughter Amber finished the edge and the final quilting---a project that spanned several years. For this masterpiece, Barbara was honored by the Jackson Hole Historical Society at a special dinner in May 2009. Her work is an extraordinary treasure that preserves the history of her hometown when she was a child. Barbara was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Primary and Relief Society for many years. Everything she did had her special loving and creative touch. Barbara often said, "As I look back on my life I think it has been successful. I have a loving husband and family, many wonderful friends, the comfort of the church, and have spent all of my life doing things I always wanted to do - bookkeeping and sewing." Barbara will be greatly missed by her husband Bob, daughters Marsha Cheney (Craig), Judy Kortum (Rick), Peggy Mathiesen (Jan), Bertie Eastman (Mike), Chris Eastman (Rod), 21 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and many friends. A funeral honoring Barbara's life was held at the Jackson LDS Church on 13 March with burial at the Aspen Cemetery in Jackson. Funeral arrangements were made by the Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be posted at http://valleymorturaryjackson.com


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