Barbara Baughn Bruton, 93, of Little Rock, passed away October Wednesday, October 3, 2012. She was born in Canalou, Mo., and lived her early life in Senath, Mo. She also lived for many years in Blytheville and in Manchester, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A. D. Baughn and Erma Ward Baughn Royal.
She is survived by her four children, William K. Bruton of Little Rock, Jon B. Bruton of Santa Barbara, Calif., Michael F. Bruton of Ballwin, Mo., and Laurelle B. Useted of Glendale, Mo.;
Her two daughters-in-law, Lou Bruton and Judy Bruton;
Her son-in-law, Robert Useted; and
Her seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a great mother, above all else, but she was also a great teacher, her chosen profession. After raising her four children, she earned a degree in education from Arkansas State University in 1961 and then went on to teach in the Parkway school system in St. Louis County for 22 years. She was highly respected there for her creative artistry. In the later years of her career, she became a school librarian -- a dream job for her since she dearly loved reading, settling into her easy chair for hours at a time with a book and a glass of iced tea.
Having been a high school basketball player, she enjoyed watching sports on TV. She loved teddy bears and dolls and had huge collections of both. She participated in civic affairs, too, as a member and president of the Blytheville Junior Auxiliary.
The family will observe a private burial service todayin Sikeston, Mo.. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. An online guest book is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal