Barbara Jeane "Ashley" Schoemaker

Barbara Jeane (Ashley) Schoemaker, 93, longtime resident of Fort Morgan, Colorado, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Valley View Villa, following a courageous battle with lung and brain cancer.

Barbara was born on March 19, 1932, in Burlington Colorado, to Karl David Ashley and Irene Daily Ashley. At the time of her birth, her parents were living in Kanorado, Kansas, which did not have a hospital, making Burlington the nearest place for her arrival. During the hardships of the Dust Bowl, the Ashley family endured difficult years in western Kansas before relocating to Ericson, Nebraska, drawn by the promise of water and green pastures located along the Cedar River.

In her junior high years, her parents purchased the local hardware store and mortuary in Scotia, Nebraska. This move ensured Barbara could attend a larger high school. It was there that she met the love of her life, Darvin Donald Schoemaker.

She graduated from Scotia High School in 1950 and, on June 30 of that same year married Darvin at the Methodist Church in Scotia. Together, they began a lifelong partnership rooted in family, faith and service.

Barbara was gifted musically from an early age, excelling in piano and vocal performance. Barbara attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music in 1953. Following Darvin's graduation from dental school and his commission into the United States Navy, the young couple moved to San Diego, California. Their time spent exploring California while stationed in San Diego was one of the most treasured times of her life. After his honorable discharge, they settled in Fort Morgan, Colorado, where they established his dental practice in 1956.

Barbara became an integral part of the practice, serving for many years as office manager, dental assistant and receptionist. Additionally, she cherished raising her children and making a loving home for her family. Don and Barbara took great pride in serving others through dentistry and other charitable causes.

A devoted member of the Fort Morgan community, Barbara was active in the Arcturus Club, Hyperion Club, and several bridge clubs. She was a member of the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church. Her interests were wide-ranging – she loved music, golf (both playing and watching), skiing, traveling, and treasured time spent at their Estes Park home. The center of her world was always her family. Time with her children and grandchildren was the true joy of her life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Darvin Donald Schoemaker; her parents; and her brothers, Emery Neil Ashley and David Karl Ashley.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jeane Schoemaker (Josh Motley); her son, Neil Schoemaker (Jodie); and her cherished grandchildren Collin Goetz (Leigh), Ashlyn Goetz Dinis (Austin), Lauryn Motley, Andrew Schoemaker (Morgan), and Kathryn Schoemaker.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her grace, quiet strength, musical talent, and lifelong devotion to her family. She left a lasting legacy on Fort Morgan and beyond.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church, followed by inurnment at Serenity Falls Columbarium in Fort Morgan.

Friends who wish to make a memorial gift may do so to the Barbara J. Schoemaker Memorial Fund, care of Heer Mortuary. Contributions will benefit the University of Nebraska School of Music, the Fort Morgan Junior Golf Program, the American Cancer Society, and the United Methodist Church.

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