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BARBARA FRIESZ MIDYETT of Liberty, Missouri died Saturday, July 12, 2008.  She was born on June 21, 1942 to Frank and Clara Klaus Friesz in Dalton. Missouri. She is survived by her son, Stuart Frizzell of Liberty, daughter-in-law Lisa and three grandchildren, Reece, Gaven and Taylor, as well as by her sister, Shirley and brother-in -law, Lee Schluckebier of Seward, Nebraska, three nieces Gwyn Powers of Arlington, Virginia; Robin Baldwin of Bethesda, Maryland; and Sarah Kohlhof of Lincoln, Nebraska and by nine grand nieces and nephews.

Barbara was raised on a farm in the Dalton Bottoms and attended the Brunswick, Missouri Schools. After graduation from High School, Barbara attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for two years. Barbara married Bill Frizzell. This union was blessed with one son, Stuart Frizzell. Barbara later married Michael Midyett of Keytesville where they resided.

Barbara always remained close to her family and home community of Chariton County even after residing in Clay County, Missouri. Barbara had been a member of Sigma Upsilon Sorority in Chariton County, a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a civic leader in each community where she resided. Barbara became the first woman elected to the Brunswick School Board and later became President of that board. She was President of the North Kansas City chapter of ARMSE (the Retired Missouri State Employees Association). Barbara was a civic leader in all the communities in which she lived. In Chariton County Barbara, along with Clarence and Irene Eisberg, Clara Friesz and Wally Iman, was actively involved in the building of the Chariton County Medical Clinic in Keytesville.

Barbara previously worked in the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk of Chariton County, Missouri and as chief clerk in the Office of the Associate and Probate Court of Chariton County. She later was a court clerk in the Jackson County Circuit Court and finally as the Chief Probate Clerk for the Clay County, Missouri Probate Court when she retired after almost thirty years in the Missouri Court system. Barbara was extremely respected by her colleagues and the Judges for whom she worked and was sought after for advice and knowledge of the court system.

Barbara was also known for her compassion and love she gave to friends and family. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989. Barbara fought the disease with constant smiles, prayers to her God, and a well detailed self-education on the treatment of this horrible disease. In 1999 Barbara was given six months to live but refused to give up the battle and instead lived every day as if it were her last. As a breast cancer survivor, Barbara always inspired other cancer survivors. She always felt so blessed to live another day to see her precious grandchildren grow and play. Barbara's hope and determination, with her always-upbeat attitude and smile, touched and inspired so many other cancer survivors.

God had a plan for Barbara and part of that plan was the gift that Barbara gave to each person she knew and those she loved. She felt she was blessed and because of that she helped others in need with her loving compassionate heart.

Barbara always had a smile and inspired each of us. Everyone was blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury, Missouri on Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 pm with funeral services on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Salisbury. The family has requested memorials be given to the American Cancer Society.

In life and in death, Barbara Midyett has given many gifts to all those she has known and the lives she has touched. The gift most remembered is Barbara’s inspiration to love and trust in God knowing that we each have a purpose to do God's will and by so doing give others love and compassion every minute of every day.