Barbara Gail Ivester

Barbara Gail Ivester, age 75 passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 in Lott, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor, Texas with Reverend David Cozart officiating.

Barbara was born on August 21, 1949 to Don Roy Brinegar and Florence Virginia Steele in Amherst, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Waco, Texas. She married the love of her life Roy Carroll Ivester in April of 1966.

Barbara was a woman whose heart was as wide as the Texas sky she so cherished. Born and raised in the heart of Texas, she embodied the spirit of the Lone Star State with her warm hospitality and deep-rooted love for family.

Barbara's love for her husband Roy was a love story that spanned decades, marked by quiet moments of affection and unwavering support. She saw in him not just a partner, but her best friend, with whom she shared the joys and challenges of life, always finding comfort in his presence.

She loved baking and sharing her many pies, her favorite pecan cake, her famous banana pudding and everyone’s best-loved homemade biscuits that spoke of tradition and love. Cooking wasn't just a task for Barbara; it was an expression of love, a way to gather her family around the table, sharing stories and laughter, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Barbara's life was richly woven with the threads of family. She took immense pride in her three daughters, whom she often referred to as her greatest achievements, always marveling at their beauty, both inside and out. She was their rock, their confidante, and their first teacher in the kitchen. Her love extended to her role as a grandmother, where she found joy in spoiling her grandchildren with sweet treats and tales of old, often watched under the flickering light of her favorite John Wayne movies. An avid fan of the Duke, she would sit with her family, enjoying westerns that echoed the rugged landscapes of her beloved Texas. Bluebonnets, the state flower, dotted her gardens and her memories, symbolizing the beauty and resilience she herself embodied. Barbara's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and the simple joys found in a well-cooked meal and a shared laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and six siblings.

Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memories, her three daughters, Audrey Hayslip, Tina Muir and Terrie Sharp.