Barbara Ewing Crews

Celebration of life for Barbara Ewing Crews will take place 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet friends from 6:00 ~ 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 19, 2019 also at the mortuary.

Barbara was a life-long Lawrence native, born February 28, 1926, the daughter of A.B. and Sally (Winsby) Ewing. She married Raymond E. Crews, Jr. on September 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on March 30, 2005. They were devoted to each other throughout their marriage and had been married for 56 years when Ray died.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Allan Ewing, and sisters, Blossom Ewing Randall and Mildred Ewing Frakes. She is survived by her brother Roger (Clarice) Ewing of Overland Park, KS.

Family was very important to Barbara. She and Ray had four children: Chip Crews of Washington, DC, Penny (Allen) Crews Seay of Austin, TX, Jenny (Randi) Crews Ruark of Raytown, MO, and Byron Ewing Crews of Shakopee, MN. She was eager for grandchildren and had five: Emily Seay, Eleanor (David) Seay Avery, Laurel Seay, Bridget Ruark, and Tucker Ruark, her favorite grandson and birthday twin. When their first grandchild was born, Barbara and Ray created a banner for the garage that said, “Emily Elizabeth Seay we’ve waited a long time for you!” She also has four great-grandchildren so far: Cameron James and Kennedy Grace (Emily) and Madison Ray and Everett James (Eleanor and David). We know that future great-grandchildren will also know their BaBa and how much she loves them. Also very much a part of her family were two beloved pugs, Ling who died in 2013, and Cooper who joined her that year.

Barbara was a natural teacher both of the practical (how to rewire a lamp) and of life (how to live well). She was also a learner and was infinitely curious about almost everything. She was a wonderful cook and unafraid to try new things, even when they didn’t turn out quite like she hoped as happened with the peanut butter, soy sauce, and pork tenderloin recipe, which she said sounded so horrible it had to be good. It was in fact so bad that Jenny received three letters in France from Barbara, Byron, and even Ray confirming that it was not at all good.

Education was important to her and she served as president of the PTA at Woodlawn Elementary School for two terms. She served on the Lawrence Library board for two terms as well. We read a lot in our house, and Barbara read nearly to the end of her life. It became difficult for her to read books in print both because of the size of the print and because of the weight of the books themselves, but she continued reading electronic books on the Kindle. She avidly watched the news and paid close attention to politics.

Barbara was our biggest fan, our biggest cheerleader in all things. She always told us we could do anything and do it well. She had an enormously large heart and loved deeply and fully. She is deeply missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

8 Condolences

  1. Joe Flannery on July 18, 2019 at 6:10 pm

    Barbara’s love of life and family will be greatly missed. She always made you feel good about yourself whenever you were in her presence.
    Long live her joy & spirit.



  2. Doug Crews on July 18, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    We love and miss Aunt Barb and Uncle Ray. The Crews family gatherings and outings in Lawrence and in Odessa and points in between are fortunately and wonderfully etched forever in our memories. Blessings to Aunt Barb and to all her family.
    Love,
    Doug and Tricia Crews and family



  3. Lisa Anderson Alexander on July 19, 2019 at 1:41 am

    We love Aunt Barbara and have missed her dearly at the reunions. Some of my favorite memories of Crews gatherings happened in Lawrence at their wonderful home. I loved to hear her practical words about life and “things” when I was lucky enough to be in the room to hear them. Mom always went to Aunt Barbara for the review of the latest or best kitchen gadget or small appliances. She always had the neatest things in her kitchen and home.
    Thank you for blessing my life by meeting Uncle Ray and forming the wonderful union that you did.
    God Bless Aunt Barbara. I am happy for you that perhaps you and Ray are together again!
    Love and hugs to the family! Losing her has got to leave a big hole that only she could fill. My prayers go out to all of you!



  4. Steve Standing on July 19, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Barbara and Ray are two of the most gracious people I have met. It was a genuine pleasure to do work for them. Blessings to the family and peace and love to Barbara and Ray.



  5. Julie Mueller on July 19, 2019 at 4:56 pm

    From my first Crews Reunion in 1987, Auntie Barb welcomes me into the Crews family with love, open arms, kind and wise words and much laughter! In the past few years when she didn’t feel physically up to attending the annual family reunion, I was always grateful we were able to pop in for a visit with her at home. My many memories of Aunt Barb make me smile! Blessings to you, Chip, Penny, Jenny and By! God gave you awesome parents and it reflects in each of you!! Love to you each!!



  6. Vicki (Henry) Julian on July 20, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    I didn’t know your mother very well other than to say I remember her as a nice and caring individual, but I do know how difficult it is to lose your parents. My condolences to your entire family and especially to Chip.



  7. Mary Ewing, Hong Kong on July 21, 2019 at 7:54 am

    The earth has lost one fine lady, and heaven has gained an angel. If all the departed are gathered in the same place, then my dad who passed last month is calling out a welcome and saying “Set yourself here. We’re kin!” May she rest in eternal peace.



  8. Karen Dixon on July 21, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    Your mom and dad were such good friends of my parents, Sam and Babs Dixon, when they were neighbors many years ago. I remember lots of social affairs and practical jokes shared between them. Your mom was such a wonderful hostess! One of my favorite memories was my mom’s 50th birthday luncheon that your mom arranged and hosted. It meant so much to my mom.
    As family meant so much to her I know you were all treasured and loved dearly. I am sorry for your loss but she is now with your dad and other loved ones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.



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