Dr. Barbara Jean (Bragg) Ware of Ponca City, OK, passed away from this life on Friday, May 20, 2022. She was 84 years old.

Barbara was born July 24, 1937 in Oklahoma City, OK, the youngest daughter of Alva R. and Dorothy M. (Mackey) Bragg. Her K-12 Education was in Ponca City Public Schools where she graduated in 1956. She received a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University. She was employed by Ponca City PublicSchools for 32 years as a classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent until her retirement in 1992.

During her professional life, Barbara served as President of the Ponca City Classroom Teachers Association, President of the Oklahoma Education association, Member of the National Education Association Legislative Commission, and Chair of the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher preparation. She was a tireless advocate for excellent quality education for all Oklahoma children until the end of her life.

On September 4, 1960, Barbara married Jerry Allen Ware. They made Ponca City their home until his death on January 7, 2013. Barbara continued to live in Ponca City and was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was very active in her church life as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, and elder, where she served as moderator for the personnel committee. She served two terms as a Moderator in the Cimarron Presbytery and moderator of the Commission on Ministry. Barbara also served as a delegate to the Synod of the Sun Personnel Committee for many years.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents Alva and Dorothy Bragg, and sister Linda Fansler, and great friend Harold Younger.

She is survived by sister DeWayne Younger of Lawton, OK, brother D. L. Bragg of Harrison, AR, sister-in-law Jan Kitter and husband Richard of Chandler, AZ, and brother-in-law Ben Ware and wife Eleanor of Tampa, FL. Barbara has sixteen wonderful nieces and nephews who have been the delight of Jerry’s and Barbara’s lives. She is survived by cousin Gary Cochran and wife Delores, who have been primary caregivers. She is also survived by Shaun and Sheila Mackey, and her wonderful friend Barbara Younger.

A viewing will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. Her funeral service will follow on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church, 1505 E Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Arrangements under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

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