Barbara Svoboda

Barbara Jean Worthington Svoboda was born July 1, 1936, in Waterville, Kansas, the daughter of John and Ada Worthington. Barbara grew up in the Waterville community and graduated from Waterville High School.

She married Gerald Francis Svoboda on Dec. 28, 1957, and moved with him to a Marion County farm home where they raised a large family. Barbara and Gerald were married for 53½ years until his death in 2011.

Barbara worked in the health care field for 33 years, filling various roles in nursing homes and assisted-care facilities in Marion.

Barbara Svoboda passed from this life on Oct. 28, 2017, at age 81. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Svoboda; her parents; a brother, Roy Worthington; and a sister, Donna Russell.

Barbara is survived by six children and 13 grandchildren: Terry Svoboda and wife, Mary, of Marion, and children Emily Williams and husband, Sam, Adam, and James; Laurie Svoboda Methvin and husband, Jeff, of Peabody, and children Seth and Michaela; Steven Svoboda and wife, Anita, of Lincolnville, and children Abigal and Cody; Charles Svoboda of Lincolnville; Timothy Svoboda and wife, Monica, of Tampa, and children Houston, Max, Aidan, and Zoey; and Susie Svoboda Wessel and husband, Eric, of Peabody, and children Luke and Kate.

Barbara Svoboda was a beloved mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was being with her family and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities, especially ball games. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

A Rosary for Barbara Svoboda will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen, Kansas. A funeral Mass and burial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen.

Memorials in Barbara’s name can be made to the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund and can be sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Marion KS 66861. 

Services by Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion, (620) 382-2112.