Barbara J. Babutzke

Services for Barbara J. Babutzke, 86 of Plainview were held 10am Monday May 23, United Methodist Church in Plainview. Rev. Alice Shomari officiated. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery in Plainview. Barbara died May 20 at the Plainview Manor.

Barbara J. Babutzke , a long time resident of Plainview, NE, passed away peacefully Friday, May 20th at the Plainview Manor Nursing Home. She was 86 years old.

She was born August 4, 1929 in Valley Springs, SD to Harry and Jessie Wright. Barbara was an avid reader and had a love for writing poetry and working crossword puzzles since childhood.

After raising her five children, she finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to college. She majored in English and Creative Writing and graduated from Wayne State University in 1983. She was the Valedictorian of her graduating class at age 54.

After graduation, Barbara taught school in the Plainview Public School system for many years. She also became an accomplished writer and had several of her poems published.

In addition to enjoying her family much of her time was spent reading, books were her passion, and working crossword puzzles. She also throughout her life had been an active participate in bowling, golf and dancing.

Survivors include her husband Marlin Babutzke, daughters Susan (Richard) Martin, Sandra Armstrong, Judith (Neil) Buckley and son James Helgeson; eight Grand Children and thirteen Great Grand Children.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Keith and Kenneth Wright, husband Vernon Harmon, son Steven Helgeson and father of her five children, husband Maynard (Swede) Helgeson.