Barbara Hyde Kerl

Barbara Hyde Kerl, 72, formerly of Sidney, resident of Albuquerque, N.M., passed away Aug. 25, 2014 in the presence of family and special friends in Arvada, Colo. Cremation has taken place. Born Aug. 2, 1942 in Washington D.C. to parents, Harold and Thelma Hyde. Returning to the family farm north of Lodgepole where Barbara spent her early childhood, entered rural school District 69 and confirmed member of the Weyerts Lutheran Church.

After moving to Sidney, Barbara entered Sidney High School her freshman year, graduating as Class Orator with the Class of 1960. Continuing her education and earning a degree at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. United in marriage to Thomas Kerl of Sioux City, Iowa, settling in Albuquerque. Barbara retired in 2012 after a thirty year career with New York Life in insurance sales and financial planning. Among Barbara's favorite hobbies were being a snow ski instructor, playing duplicate bridge and world travel, with recent trips to China and Eastern Europe. Barbara is survived by two sons and nine grandchildren, Dean and Becca Kerl & family of Phoenix, Ariz. and David and T.J. Savage and family of Arvada. Two sisters, Diane Smith of Scottsdale, and Cheryl (Dennis) Okelly & family of Ashland, Neb. Two brothers, Dr. William (Sharon) Hyde & family of Austin, TX, and Dean Hyde of Lodgepole. Uncle Jerald Hyde of Ft. Collins, Colo., and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, William & Alice Hayford of Ogallala and John & Elanor Hyde of Lodgepole.

Memorial contributions may be made to Barbara's designated charity, which distributes wigs for hair loss in cancer patients, to American Cancer Society-Gift Closet, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE Suite #300, Albuquerque, NM 87111.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Chelwood Church, 2200 Chelwood Park Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.