Barbara Zirkle, 86, of San Angelo passed away on May 31, 2021 in Midland. There will be a private family graveside service at a later date.
Barbara Ann was born on August 29, 1934 to Josephine and Thomas Nalley in Santa Anna, Texas. She was raised in the Glen Cove/Valera area of Coleman County. Barbara attended Centennial School in Valera and graduated from Coleman High School with honors.
Barbara and Bobby Joe (BJ) Zirkle were married in Coleman, Texas in 1952. During their marriage, Barbara and BJ lived in Abilene, Wichita Falls, Houston, La Marque, Texas City, Austin, Dripping Springs, Oak Hill, Smithville, Lockhart, and San Angelo in Texas. They also lived in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview in Florida and in Gadsden, Alabama.
Barbara started her career working for the McGraw Hill Publishing Company. She later worked for the University of Texas Press on the magazine “Genetics”. She worked for three trade magazines during her career. She loved the medical field and worked as an assistant to several doctors in Austin. She worked in the Emergency Room of Breckenridge Hospital in Austin as well. She also worked as part of the Capitol Security Team in Austin while BJ was serving on the Governor’s Security Team.
Barbara was involved in and loved writing all her life. She received a number of awards for her writing through the years, but always felt that writing was its own reward.
Barbara had a passion for music, art, poetry, and the beauty of nature. But, her greatest love was for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her beloved husband BJ of 52 years; for her grandparents who loved and protected her and gave her so much; and for the wonderful people of Glen Cove and Valera who encouraged, inspired, and supported her. She felt that it truly “takes a village to raise a child”.
Barbara is survived by her son Dana Zirkle in Austin, her daughter Janna Hudson and husband Hank in Midland, her grandson Harrison Hudson and wife Katie in Austin, her grandson Thomas Hudson in Midland, her grandson Patrick Hudson in Kingsland, and her great grandsons Henry and George Hudson in Austin. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband BJ.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara asked that donations be made to the Concho Valley Home for Girls and Children’s Emergency Shelter, 412 Preusser, P. O. Box 3772, San Angelo, Texas 76902. Please protect the children.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.
