Barbara Longaker Yowell July 21, 2025
Barbara’s mother had worked in Juneau, Alaska where she met Albert Longaker, a government surveyor and architect. The Longaker family had roots in Landsdale, Pennsylvania; northeast of Philadelphia. She grew up in Arlington, Virginia where her parents settled after a number of notable projects in various places including Florida, the George Washington Bridge in New York, Fort Knox, the big hangars at Washington National Airport, and even the U.S. Post office in Orange.
After transfer and graduation from George Washington University, with a degree in Home Economics, Barbara and Everett were married on June 25, 1949. Marriage soon found Barbara in a major cultural transition from “city girl” to farm wife. Early on, she was advised to “Never learn how to milk a cow.” But she made butter, plucked chickens, gardened, became a regular at the Criglersville cannery, and did lots of sewing. Her father-in-law, Albon Waverly Yowell recruited her to teach at Criglersville school. This didn’t last long as the first of 6 boys interrupted a long teaching career which resumed in 1963. She was well known as the “strict” third grade teacher of many years. Barbara and family attended the F. T. Baptist Church near Etlan, where she also played piano.
Barbara was a beloved matriarch whose home was always a welcoming hub for her family and all who passed through. She was a teacher in every sense—-whether in the classroom, at home, or simply by her stalwart life style. She taught with patience, purpose, love as her wisdom shaped generations. She leaves an incredible legacy and will be greatly and lovingly missed.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Maude Longaker, sister Berta (who died at age 9), brother Ralph of San Francisco and of course, her husband, Everett Yowell. She is survived by sons Albert (Patty), Jim, Glenn (Donna), Kenneth (Donna), Dan, Ralph (Karen), 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; with 3 more on the way!
A friends and family visitation hour is planned on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm prior to the 2:00 pm funeral service at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison. Dan Yowell; Pastor of F. T. Baptist Church and Pastor John Heddleston (Ret) of Reynolds Baptist will conduct the service. The internment will be at Etlan Cemetery next to her long time love, Everett Yowell. All are invited for food and fellowship afterwards at Etlan Community Church.
Memorial contributions are welcome to F.T. Church, or the Literary Council of Madison County, in lieu of flowers.
And SPECIAL THANKS to all caregivers, especially Angie Woodward Hensely, (people know her by Angie Woodward)
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