Barbara Ann Peterson

 Barbara Ann Sullivan (Menge) Peterson went to be with her precious Lord, family, and friends on June 6, 2024. She was born to Lloyd David and Norma Mae Sullivan on February 28, 1936, in Wrightsboro, Gonzalez, Texas.

 Barbara attended Ray High School in Corpus Christi and graduated in 1958 from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended TCU on an academic scholarship and was a cheerleader for the Horned Frogs during the school’s powerhouse football days. She was even caught once by a newspaper photographer while executing her iconic cheerleader “C” jump during the TCU Cotton Bowl game. While attending TCU she met the love of her life, Roy Menge an All-American University of Texas baseball player. After graduation Barbara Ann Sullivan and Roy Arthur Menge, Jr. married in May of 1958 and two daughters were born to this union, Kimberly Kay and Michelle Rene.

 Barbara was a wonderful wife, an incredible mother, an amazing teacher, and a natural-born leader. Throughout her teaching career her innovative techniques and creative lessons changed the way Physical Education classes were taught in schools. She was a member of TAHPERD (Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) for over 40 years where she held dozens of committee positions and leadership roles. She was nominated and elected to many officer positions including VP Elementary Physical Education and then TAHPERD President in 1989. Throughout her teaching career, Barbara received many awards including Teacher of the Year and the David K. Brace award which is the highest award presented by TAHPERD. In December 2023, she attended the 100th Annual TAHPERD Convention in Ft. Worth where she was surrounded by many of her colleagues and friends who loved and admired her as she represented the oldest living Past President of their organization. Her creative P.E. programs and clever ways to engage students to “move while they learn and learn while they move” inspired teachers across the nation and changed the dynamics of teaching physical education.

 Barbara was 100% involved in anything she signed up for and even the things she didn’t sign up for. Raising two very active daughters kept her busy but she loved watching her daughters’ sports events, coaching cheerleading teams, scorekeeping at diving meets, designing special occasion dresses or cheer uniforms, making homemade gifts (personalized pillowcases) for everyone and creating cool birthday theme parties. Everyone knew Kim and Michelle’s mom, and everyone loved her! She was funny, witty, spunky, smart, charming, caring, loved people of all ages and never met a stranger. When Barbara did find time for herself, she liked to read and LOVED to go out dancing. In her later years, she became the Hallmark Movie Queen, always commenting on the pretty ladies, handsome male actors, beautiful houses and scenic locations. Without question, her greatest joy in life was her family…past, present and future. “Memaw” absolutely adored her grandchildren and loved visits with her seven great-grandchildren. She was so grateful and often overwhelmed by how blessed she was to be surrounded by such “beautiful babies” which she affectionately called her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will truly be missed by her family, friends and colleagues but we all know she is enjoying her heavenly life, and she is definitely dancing!

 Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd David and Norma Mae Sullivan; brother Jerry Sullivan; Ex-husband Roy Arthur Menge, Jr.; In-laws Roy Arthur Menge, Sr and Gertrude Isabelle (Jones) Menge; sister-in-law Glenda Faye (Menge) Keith and husband Charles Neal Keith, sister-in-law Merle Lee (Menge) Jensen and husband Johnny Jenson, brothers-in-law William Douglas Menge and Harry Loyd Menge; nephew Richard Wayne Jensen; nephew James Sullivan; and grandson Dakota Joseph Hurley. 

 She is survived by her daughters Kimberly Kay (Menge) Wright and husband Jack, Michelle Rene (Menge) Hurley and husband Eric, nephews-William Angus, Ty Robert Keith, Clay Jensen; Nieces-Teena Wise, Tessa Lee Naegle, Melissa (Missy) Merka; grandchildren-Nick Anthony Buccola and wife Amanda, Jennifer Kay (Buccola) McNeely and husband Matt, Stevie Kaye (Oglesby) Deeds and husband David, Khaki D. (Hurley) Mummel and husband Tristan, Tori J’Nae Wright; great-grandchildren-Graham Buccola, Millie Buccola, Mason Buccola, Keller McNeely, Bentley McNeely, Jade Deeds and James (Jimi) Deeds. 

 Barbara’s celebration of life will be held from 11:00-1:00 on July 20, 2024 at 6007 Cloudridge Ct. Arlington, TX ; home of Michelle and Eric Hurley. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Michelle at 214-280-8129. With Barbara being a TCU Alumni, the family would love for you to wear Purple in her honor.