Elsie M. Barnard

Elsie M. Barnard, 93, of Rigby, Idaho died Friday, April 20, 2018 at Sage Grove Assisted Living.  Elsie was born January 4, 1925 in Harbine, Nebraska, to Henry W Jantzen and Louise Ensz Jantzen.  She attended rural Gage County schools, Mennonite Bible Academy, Beatrice High School, and graduated from Fairbury High School.  Elsie taught at rural schools for two years and then worked in the office of Swift & Co. On November 28, 1946 Elsie married Howard Barnard in Beatrice, Nebraska. They farmed near Beatrice until March of 1957, at which time they moved their family to Aberdeen, Idaho, where they raised their family of six children.  Howard and Elsie had a small farm, where she enjoyed raising chickens, milking cows, and where she grew a large, productive garden. In 2003, they sold their farm and retired to Rigby where they lived for 11 years, helping family and friends, and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2014 they moved into the Gables of Ammon. After Howard passed away in July 2015, Elsie moved to Sage Grove Assisted Living. Elsie was involved with the Mennonite Church, Women’s Mission Society in Aberdeen, Idaho, the Bethel Baptist Church in Rigby, Idaho, and was active with the Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Rigby.  Elsie's life was devoted to serving Jesus Christ.  She looked forward to attending worship services and was grateful to the church family who made it possible for her to attend in her later years. She is survived by daughters: Saundra Jones of Ammon, Idaho, and Garoldene (Brian) Hetrick of Pocatello, Idaho; sons: Keith (Mary) Barnard of Colorado, Joel (Dawn) Barnard of Washington, Lynn (Jeannie) Barnard of Nevada, and Mark (Brenda) Barnard of Oregon; her sister, Mildred Dux of Fairbury, Nebraska; brother, Dale (Elda) Jantzen of Newton, Kansas;  seventeen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Barnard; infant daughter, Yvonne Louise; sister, Linda; brother, Harold; son-in-law, Dale Jones; grandson, Alan Briggs; and great-great grandson, Corwyn. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Amy and the staff of Sage Grove Assisted Living and Aspen Home Care and Hospice for the loving care and compassion shown to their mother. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crown of Life Lutheran Church, (3856 East 300 North, Rigby).  The family will meet with friends Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, (101 W. Main St. Rigby), and on Friday prior to services from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church.