Barbara Jean Wardell

She graduated from Hazelton High School in 1944 and later graduated from the University of Idaho June 5, 1950, with a B. S. Degree in Education.

On September 7, 1950, Jean reported to Fort Lee, Virginia, and received an appointment as Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Reserve to attend the WAC Officer Training Class No. 1. She was one of 47 college graduates selected from over 200 applicants to be in this First Class of directly commissioned officers for the Women’s Army Corps.

Her Army career of 24 years included positions in personnel and administration at both Army and installation levels and two tours of overseas duty in Germany.

Jean retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (Regular Army) in February 1974 at the highest rank then available to women in the military. Her awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Army Occupation Medal (Germany). Jean mentored many young officers and enlisted personnel.

After retirement, Jean lived in Dallas, Texas, and made annual visits to her beloved beautiful Idaho. In October 2015 Jean relocated to assisted living in Twin Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother (James Wardell); three sisters Mildred (Ted) Pullin, Betty (Jay) Snyder, and Ruth (Dick) Davis; and two nieces Gloria Davis and Valdi (Alex) Balles.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews; Troy Mitchell of Filer, Idaho, Judy Tucker of Arizona, Patricia Wiley of Spokane, Washington, Dixie Dennis of Twin Falls, ID, Ruth Ann Qualls of Oakdale, CA, Bill Snyder of Jerome, Idaho, and Don Davis of Pocatello, Idaho; grand nieces and nephews; Kathie Fisher of Filer, Idaho, Marilyn Fisher of Filer, Idaho, Brenda Blood, and Travis Balles of Filer, Idaho.

Barbara’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January5, 2016 at White Mortuary Chapel at the Park, 136 4th Avenue East in Twin Falls. With Pastor Andrew Paz from the First Baptist Church in Filer, Idaho officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Magic Valley Honor Guard and the Idaho National Guard. Burial will follow at the Hazelton Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will take from 6:00 pm until 8:00 PM Monday January 4th at White Mortuary and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Condolences may be left at www.whitemortuary.com.