Barbara May (Luck) Gott was born on a farm near New Hartford, Iowa on May 4, 1932 to Earnest and Evelyn Luck. She was the fifth of eight children. As a child, she worked on the farm, doing a variety of farm chores. She also loved doing acrobatics, and her father built her a trapeze to do her stunts. The family moved into town when she was an adolescent. In high school she was on the cheerleading squad. Barbara loved people and was very social.
She met Wendell Robert Gott on a double date in her senior year of high school. She graduated, turned 18, and married all in the month of May, 1950. The young couple built a house in Waterloo, Iowa. Just before the house was completed, their first child, JoAnn, was born in January of 1952. In October of 1954, their son, David Lee was born. As Wendell was working two jobs, they felt the grass was greener in California; so, the young family followed Wendell’s brother and parents to California. Soon after, in 1955, Kevin Ray was born. They lived in Torrance for a while and then moved to Long Beach. As a young mother, Barbara did babysitting and various other jobs to supplement the family income.
God and family were paramount to her. Holidays, summers and weekends included gatherings and picnics with cousins, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. There were often relatives sharing their little home for vacation or relief. Their door was always open.
Bryan Kim was born in 1960, and soon after, Barbara drove a school bus for Brethren Christian Schools. Barbara was very active in her church, Berea Baptist in Long Beach; teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.
Eventually Barbara got a permanent position with the State of California Unemployment Office; she made many friends there. She became a grandma to Seth, Silas, Shem, Jeff, Jessica, Kara, Heidi, Jonathan, Broc, Bryce, and Bret. They were her pride and joy along with her 29+ great-grandchildren.
Barbara and Wendell retired to a custom home in Nuevo, and then moved to San Jacinto just prior to Wendell’s passing. Barbara lived alone after his death and was involved in her church. She spent her last years at Brookdale/Sunwest in Hemet. She was active in all the programs they provided and was much loved by the residents and staff alike.
Barbara passed on May 14, 2020 at the age of 88 and is now happily reunited with her husband, who went to be with the Lord in 2006.
Barbara is also survived by two sisters: Emma De Vries and Laura Catherwood of Iowa as well as 3 sister-in laws, 2 brother-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held for family only.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donations to Victory Ranch (camp fund), 18080 Gilman Springs Road, Moreno Valley, CA 92555
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