Barbara Hannah Pendergraft

Barbara Hannah Pendergraft, age 84, of Gunnison, Colo. passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, Aug. 17. Born as Barbara Hannah Laubhan to Lillie and John Laubhan of Follett, Texas in Shattuck, Okla. as it was the closest hospital and doctor. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 66 years, Jim who she met at a basketball game in high school; sons, Bradly (Laurie) of Parishville, N.Y., Stanley of Denver, Colo. and Kevin of Colorado Springs, daughter Stacy (Tex Bradford) of Gunnison, Colo., grandsons Kyle of Lowville, N.Y., Evan of Charleston, S.C., and Jakob of Parishville, N.Y., and loved and cherished family, Wilma Duffy and Jack Woodward of Gunnison, Colo. She graduated from Follett High School, Follett, Texas in 1951 and received her BA in Education from Western State College in 1971. After living many places in Texas they spent 11 years in Spearman, Texas, then moving to Gunnison in 1968, which Barbara thought was the best place to raise four children and she managed to obtain a college degree at the same time. Barbara met and made many friends during her years as an insurance representative for ANICO. Following their retirement James and Barbara enjoyed traveling to most states and much of Canada. After seeing most of the country they settled during winters at Orangewood Shadows in Mesa, Ariz., making it a big part of their lives and where they made many close friends. She was active in numerous community affairs in Gunnison including starting the cleanup of the Palisades subdivision; neighborhood watch on Irwin Street; and yearly block parties. She volunteered at Six-Points and many places where she traveled. She was always ready to help a good cause. Barbara will be remembered for her love of arts and instilling this love in her children; as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; for her great joy in gardening; and helping those in need. Private services will be held with family and close friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1834 Gunnison, CO 81230, where Barbara fostered many cats and Jim fell in love with everyone. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers and thoughts in our time of loss.