Barbara Jean (Henderson) Wenzel

Barbara Jean Wenzel, 76, of Dearborn, MO, passed away Monday, October 18, 2010 at St. Luke’s Northland Hospital.

She was born on May 9, 1934 near Lentner, MO to Raymond C. and Maybelle (Smock) Henderson. Barbara grew up in Shelbina, MO before moving to St. Joseph, MO to attend nursing school. While in St. Joe, she met Bennie “Bill” Wenzel, Sr., and they were united in marriage on August 22, 1953. In 1957, they moved their family to Kansas City before settling down on the family farm near Dearborn, MO in 1969.

Barbara had such a passion for nursing and recently celebrated 50 years of caring for patients and families. During her career she worked for Spelman Memorial Hospital in Smithville and St. Luke’s Northland in Kansas City.

She was an active member of the Dearborn United Methodist Church. Barbara enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s activities.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie “Bill” Wenzel, Sr. on December 27, 2001 after sharing 48 wonderful years together. She is also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by two daughters, Victoria Buckler and husband, Steven, Dearborn, and Deborah Wenzel, Savannah, MO; son, Bennie R. Wenzel, Jr., and wife, Rebecca, Dearborn; four grandchildren, Amy Acock and husband, Scott, Jeremy Buckler and wife, Megan, BR Wenzel and Brock Wenzel; two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Hudson Buckler; brother, Donald Henderson, Ludlow, MO; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21^st at the Dearborn United Methodist Church.

Burial: Dearborn Cemetery

Visitation: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of food and flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dearborn United Methodist Church.

Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower