Barbara Kale

SHELBY: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Kale, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Surrounded by the love of her husband, children and sisters, Barbara passed from this earthly realm into the presence of her Heavenly Father on January 24, 2023. Barbara was born on March 22, 1948, in Mooresboro, NC, to Lawrence and Jonnie Bridges. From a young age, Barbara had a passion for music. She and her two sisters, known as “The Bridges Girls,” sang and performed for friends and churches. Barbara loved playing the piano and was a dedicated member of the Poplar Springs Baptist Church and handbell Master Ringer choirs, as well as the Gardner Webb University ensemble during her time as a student there. Barbara was a devoted member of the Angels at Heart Sunday school class, where she treasured her friends and helped with craft bazaars. Over the years, Barbara worked as a secretary for Poplar Springs Baptist Church and Gardner Webb University’s Noel House, becoming the “adopted mom” of several students. Barbara’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She cherished cooking and serving Sunday lunch for them and taking her grandchildren apple picking and picnicking at Julian Price Park. She made many special memories while tubing down Deep Creek River on the family's annual Labor Day trips, going on spontaneous mountain trips, and adventuring and fishing with Ronnie. She taught her grandchildren to sew blankets, making each one feel special. Barbara also looked forward to fun family times at the backyard swimming pool, where her children and their friends were always welcome and loved. Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on through the love and joy she spread everywhere. Rest in peace, Barbara, and may you now sing in the choir of angels in heaven. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Ronnie Kale of the home; daughters, Sharon Bradshaw and husband Shaun of Greensboro and Tiffany Piercy and fiancé Joe Brooks of Shelby; sons, Ryan Kale and wife Leslie and Jonathan Kale and wife Lisa, both of Boiling Springs; sisters, Jackie McSwain and husband Eddie of Charleston, SC and Libby Glenn and husband Ford of Shelby; grandchildren, Graham Bradshaw and fiancée Taylor Holley, Cody Kale and wife Taylor, Brantleigh Bradshaw, Taylor Kale and fiancé Austin Ropp, Colby Kale, Dylan Kale, Sam Kale, Scout Piercy and Sage Piercy; and many extended family.

Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center.