Zola Barton

Zola was born on a farm in Grundy County, Iowa, in the same bedroom where her mother was born. She was the oldest of four children born to David Lawrence Barton and Florence Hazel Musgrave Barton on August 30, 1917. She attended rural school, Melrose #8, and graduated from Whitten High School in 1935. She worked in a tea room following graduation, saving money for her college expenses. She taught in rural schools in Grundy County and worked with the 4H program. She also taught in Chelsea, Iowa until 1949 when she completed her degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State Teacher's College at Cedar Falls. She moved to Des Moines to work in the Des Moines Public Schools until her retirement in 1983.

Zola was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines and a faithful member of Ruth Circle. She liked to read, especially the Des Moines Register and to experience the concerts of the Des Moines Symphony. Bible studies at church and in her neighborhood were an important part of her life.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law Imogene M. Barton of Nottingham, PA and Doris L. Barton of Waterloo, IA; several cousins; 2 nieces; 3 nephews and great-nieces and great nephews. Zola was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Darrell W. Barton and Dean M. Barton and a sister Arline M. Eckhoff.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday April 7, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines 8250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA. Burial will be held privately at Eldora City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Creps-Abels Funeral Home, Eldora, Iowa.