Barbara Ann Huston

Barbara Ann Huston, 95, a woman full of grace, died Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Sunday, July 10, 2022; Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 11, 2022, both at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Barbara Ann Huston was born December 16, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas. She was the youngest daughter of Calvin and Pearl Tressler. Her sisters, Geraldine Schold and Maxine Allen, preceded her in death. Barbara graduated from East High School in Wichita in 1945 and attended Wichita State University for one year before marrying Preston D. Huston on October 15, 1948, at First Baptist Church in Wichita Kansas. They had three daughters. Kathryn Delaine, the oldest, and her husband James Wiebe have two daughters. Jamie and her husband Paul Wozniak have twin babies, a boy and girl, born this year in March. Jennifer and her husband Chris Kepley are expecting a baby girl in October. Karen Diane, the middle child, and her husband Brad Hubbard have two children. Kayla and her husband Jared Kennedy and have two children, Jace (12) and Brie (9). Kevin and his wife Rachel have two children, Holden (4) and Anderson (1). Donna Kay, the youngest, and her husband Craig Walker have three boys. Christopher and Melody have two children, Allen (4) and Evelyn (2). Twins Matthew and Andrew round out the Walker family. Matthew and Julie have two children, Zachary (8) and Nathan (5). Andrew is single. Barbara gave her life to Jesus at the age of 12 at Faith Baptist Church in Wichita. When she met Pres, they both attended First Baptist Church and then moved with most of the congregation to Metropolitan Baptist Church where they raised their children. Her first memories of Pres were a “curly headed fella who worked for Cero’s Ice Cream Company,” she wrote. “He would make vanilla shakes for my dad, and then later I ran into him while attending Wichita State University and we started dating. Such a wonderful time in my life. He was back from WWII and ready to settle down and so was I. Our life together has been very precious and our love everlasting.” Barb and Pres were married for 59 years until Pres died in 2007. Barbara writes that he was a wonderful, loving, caring man who loved his family his God very much.” She says, “We could feel the Lord was with us as we cared for our family for so many years. He helped us through good times and bad.” She writes, “When Pres and I had been married only two years (1950), he was recalled back into the Korean War, and men were sent directly into the fight. Of course, I felt my little world had been shattered, as Pres and I had not been separated even for a night since we had been married. I moved back in with my folks. The first night, I took my Bible to bed with me. As I opened it a piece of paper fell out. It was notes that Pres had written around the verse Romans 8:28 that he had given as a devotional in Sunday School class. The Lord gave me peace that night. As it turned out the ‘rank’ that Pres held at this time was not needed in Korea, and he was sent to Columbus, Georgia. I was able to be with him, and the Lord gave us a wonderful year that seemed like a vacation.” Barbara loved to work. In high school her dad talked her into taking a “shop” course. She spent three years in architectural drawing as the only girl. She also worked on the school newspaper and had her own by-line called “Shop Talk” by Barbara Tressler. After high school she worked for the Telephone Co in the engineering department. They went on strike one year, and she and a girlfriend and picketed on roller skates. After Kathy was born, she considered herself a household executive. But she volunteered at church, was President of Rotary Ann Club in 1970, and was chairman of Crestview Country Club’s Women’s 9-hole and 18-hole golf. Barbara fully supported Pres’ work as president of Associated Advertising Agency. His leadership positions required many social occasions, and their travels took them to many places around the world. Pres wrote to her, “You were always the poised, charming, and the most beautiful individual at all of these affairs. Lucky me.” Pres and Barb both enjoyed family vacations in Colorado, their church, and sports activities. They followed their sports-minded grandchildren to all their games. They also held season tickets to Wichita State basketball and were enthusiastic fans. Golf was a special love. They took their clubs with them on almost all vacations. Barbara won several trophies and even had a hole in one. In her younger married years, she was on the bowling team and had one 300 game! Barbara also was involved in Community Bible Study. She had several lunch groups made of her church friends. She and Pres were Charter Members of Metropolitan Baptist Church and considered their church friends family. Mom even had a huge Christmas wreath made to hang on the outside of the church during the Christmas Season. Barbara was an impeccable hostess. She and Pres hosted many church parties at their home. They also refurbished a cabin at Marion Lake which became a family and friend gathering place. Barbara left her family many special memories. Her calm, gentle influence will be felt for generations. A memorial has been established with: Metropolitan Baptist Church, Building Fund, 525 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67213. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.