1940 - 2025
We are very saddened to announce the passing of our loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on March 10, 2025. After battling the demons of dementia for the past several months, it appears that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. We are all comforted by the certainty that she is in a much happier place today, looking down proudly.
Barbara was born on April 26, 1940 in Didsbury, Alberta, to Harry and Monica Jackson. She resided on the family farm in the Westerdale area with her parents and three brothers (Bob, Art and Roger). She attended school at Westerdale and Didsbury, graduating in 1958. She then attended University of Alberta to obtain her teaching degree. Barbara taught grade 4 in Carstairs until starting her own family in 1964.
Barbara married Don Krebs on August 1, 1962. They settled into the farming life near Melvin Hall, on a farm that currently homes a 5th consecutive generation of Krebs farmers. On January 17, 1964 Don and Barb welcomed their first child, Gord. Ed followed on April 9, 1965. Barb stayed busy raising 2 boys, substitute teaching and actively helping run the farm. Running kids to baseball and hockey games, taking meals to the field and hauling grain to the bin would seem to constitute at least 2 full time positions, but she accepted the duties with style and grace.
In April of 1991, Barb became a Grandma. Carlee was born to Gord and Dennise, followed by Cody in 1992. Ed added to the grandchildren team in 1996 with Emily and 1998 with Brock. Barbara loved being a Grandma, and the grandchildren are very appreciative of the family values and kindness that they certainly learned from Grandma.
Barbara was passionate about supporting her church and the communities of Westerdale and Didsbury. She was a major driver of the Westerdale Community Association for many years, and if anyone has rented the hall or ball diamond at Westerdale, they undoubtedly know her fondly. The more experienced fastball players who might be reading this will certainly remember Barb keeping score at Westerdale with Don announcing the game at her side. Barb was a very active volunteer with the Knox United Church Thrift Store, seldom missing her weekly shift. Without a doubt, our community would not be anything like it is today without the contributions of Barb and Don.
As the farming skills got passed on to their children and grandchildren, Don and Barb remained very active in the farm. Barb always made sure that everyone was well fed and watered before heading to the field, as they never knew when they might be done for the day.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents (Harry 1992 and Monica 1996), her brothers (Bob 2008, Art 2024) and a grandson Cassidy (1995). She is survived by her loving husband Don, sons Gord (Dennise) and Ed (Connie and her sons Mason(Alex) and Dawson), grandkids Carlee (Alex) Hutcheon, Cody (Kianna) Krebs, Emily (Shane) Krebs and Brock Krebs, and her great grand children Jay and Miller Hutcheon.
Barbara was very fortunate to be cared for at Aspen Lodge for the past year. The staff showed amazing patience, compassion and love for her, and we are forever grateful to them for helping all of us through some difficult times. Special thanks to Laura Krebs for watching over mom at the Lodge, something that meant more to us than you could ever imagine.
The family asks that you remember Barbara by hugging your loved ones, being happy and continuing to live the kind of life that you know she would want you to have. Family, friends and community were everything to Barbara, and by the best way to honor her is to be the person she would want you to be.
