Barbara Jean Rodeck

Barbara Jean Foster (Rodeck) was born on May 10, 1937, to James Thurston Foster and Florence Charlotte Knobloch of Troy Grove, Illinois. She came into this world in a gas station where her family lived in a back room. Barb was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Elaine Foster (York), and her brother, Richard Alan Foster.
In 1953, Barb and her family moved to Leland, Illinois, where she was active in the band and choir throughout high school, and worked setting pins at her father's bowling alley. Her favorite actor/actress were Rock Hudson and Doris Day. She performed at the Illinois State for square and folk dancing. She also performed at several international square and dance festivals in Chicago. After graduating, she attended Northern Illinois University and earned a degree in Business Administration.
While living and working in Chicago, Barb spent summer days at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she met Ronald R. Rodeck. The couple was married on October 24, 1957. They soon moved to Onawa, Iowa, where Ron began his first call to the Lutheran Church. Barb worked as the church secretary and organized Vacation Bible School, making an impact in their new community.
On February 1, 1963, their first child, Paul Philip Rodeck, was born. The family later moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where Ron served as an Army Chaplain. Barb embraced military life, becoming active with the Officer's Wives Club, volunteering for the Chaplain's office, and attending classes at the University of South Carolina.
Their second child, Amy Ann Rodeck (Robert J.) Armentrout, was born on January 6, 1970, and the family spent 1971–1974 stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. They traveled extensively across Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Spain, making cherished memories. Upon returning to the States, their third child, Derek David Rodeck, was born on January 31, 1975, on Staten Island, New York.
The Rodeck family later lived at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, followed by Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, before making a long-term home in Colorado Springs, where Barb worked at Joslin's department store. Upon retirement from military life, the couple settled in Payson, Arizona, where Barb quickly earned her real estate license and became a million-dollar seller. She was an active member of the Literacy Council and tutored adults to read.
The family later moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Barb sold real estate with Westmark Realty, and ultimately to Pueblo, Colorado. In Pueblo, she embraced the beauty of the area, especially the Rampart Range and its wildflowers, and gave it back to the community by volunteering for various programs, doing administrative work, and giving tours of the YMCA.
In 2015, Barb moved to Lima, Ohio, to be closer to her daughter. She loved reading, playing Scrabble, attending the Senior Center to play pinochle, and volunteering for the Area Agency on Aging III RSVP program, assisting other seniors.
Barbara had 4 granddaughters, Amanda L. Rowe, Temper M. Rodeck, Kelly L. Armentrout, and Jordan R. Rodeck, and 5 great grandchildren.
Barb will be remembered for her warm heart, sharp mind, adventurous spirit, and the countless ways she gave to others throughout her life.