Barbara Ann Wydman

Barbara Ann Wydman, also known as “Barbara Jean”, age 96, passed away on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 in her home at Brewster Place in Topeka, Kansas.  Barbara was born on November 28, 1924 in Centerville, Iowa.  She is the daughter of George and Cora (Hoffman) Armstrong.  The family moved to Wichita, Kansas where George founded Armstrong Creamery.  Barbara worked during her high school years at her father’s ice cream shop selling Armstrong Quality Check Ice Cream.  Ice cream cones were a nickel for two dips.

Barbara attended Wichita East High School where she was a member of the Honor Society, graduating #27 out of a class of 627.  She was also active in the Peppy Pilots, a girl’s group that cheered on all of the sports teams at the high school.  After high school, she moved to Arizona to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson where she majored for three years in anthropology and archaeology.  Barbara pledged with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

While at the University, Barbara met Edward Richard (“Eddy Dick”) Wydman.  They married on December 17, 1943 and moved to Wichita after Dick was discharged from the Army Airforce.

Barbara was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, serving as both President and Regent.  She was also a member of the Junior League of Topeka, KS and Pasadena, CA.  Barbara was a founding member of the Junior League Book Club of Topeka.

Barbara dedicated her life to family and church.  She served the Central Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years as a Session member, Clerk of the Session, Secretary for the governing body, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, and in many other capacities.  She loved the church, making it one of the focal points of her life.

Barbara’s friends and family knew her as a wonderful, sweet lady who never had anything unkind to say about others.  She was always ready to listen and was very generous to those in need, a testament to her faith in Christ.

Barbara is survived by two beloved daughters, Sara Rebecca Chiappinelli and Mary Lizbeth Brown and sons-in-law Joseph Chiappinelli and Kenton Lyle Brown.  She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Louise Miller, Nathan Lyle Brown and Emily Lizbeth Brown and great grandchildren Colin Timothy Coulter and Hayley Rebecca Coulter, Samantha’s son and daughter.

A private Celebration of Life will be held by the family on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Brewster Place in Topeka.  Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66608.

Davidson Funeral Home is assisting the family.  To leave a message for the family, please visit davidsonfuneral.com.  1035 N. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66608