Barbara Weaver
August 10, 1923 — January 2, 2018
Whether running the Waco Cafeteria with her mother Opal during WWII, corralling a Cub Scout den, helping her son raise show steers and an orphaned calf, or enjoying time at South Padre Island. Barbara Weaver was always the epitome of a refined lady. A devoted mother and grandmother, she always cared deeply of her family with strength and elegance.
On January 2, 2018, she joined Ken Weaver, her husband of 72 years. She was preceded by her mother Opal Luby Spaulding, brother Edward and father Herbert Spaudling.
Barbara was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 10, 1923 but grew up in Mattoon, Illinois where most of her mother’s family lived. In 1940 they moved to Dallas to join Opal’s brothers and sisters in the Luby’s Cafeteria business, and where Barbara attended SMU for a year. Ken soon followed and they were married in June 7, 1941.
In the early ‘40’s, they relocated to Waco and then to Harlingen in May of 1950 to manage the Luby’s on North A Street.
Early in their career the business was much a family affair with both Barbara and Opal working alongside Ken and their many wonderful employees.
Barbara was active in Junior Service League, Harlingen Garden Club, Life Begins at 40, the 12:30 Club, and the Algodon Club. Barbara and Ken loved to travel whether to hunt, fish or golf.
She is survived by her son Kent, daughter-in-law G’Anne, granddaughters Jennifer Weaver and Stephanie Swartz (Andrew); great grandchildren Harllie Hawkes, David and Ava Swartz; her sisters-in-law Christene Weaver and Joyce Spaulding; and nieces and nephews Mike and Melanie Newland, Greg and Marilyn Newland, Mary Beth and Reagan Ross, Pat and June Newland, and Kathy and Scooter Koenig.
Many thanks to Cheva, Joe, and Minnie Torres, Aurora Perez, Cindy Ramirez, Sylvia Chavez, Irma Cruz, and Mary Cepeda for all their many years of service to the family. Also a special thanks to Kindred Hospice Care who provided superior service and care in Barbara’s last few months.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with a private burial.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Swartz, David Swartz, Mike Newland, Greg Newland, Pat Newland, John Newland, William Newland, Travis Fuentes, Pat Lind and John Lind.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Sunny Glen Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1373, San Benito, TX 78586, Harlingen Boys and Girls Club, 1209 W. Washington Ave., Harlingen, TX 78551 or the First United Methodist Church, 321 E. Harrison, Harlingen, TX 878550 would be appreciated.