Barbara Mary (Petrik) McCall, who exemplified joy, adventure and spunk throughout her 100 years, was called from above on December 29 for a journey she'd been waiting for: to reunite with family and friends she hadn't seen for a long time.

Barbara was born August 26, 1921, in Topeka, Kan., to Fred and Margaret (Heard) Petrik. A Depression-era upbringing instilled the values of hard work and frugality in Barbara and her two older brothers. They also knew how to have fun. Barbara played the piano, combining her raw talent with training from her aunt Mary, a concert pianist. Barbara entertained audiences through church and the glee club at Highland Park High School, where she graduated in 1939.

As a young woman, Barbara taught piano and worked at a photography studio, where she retouched and hand-tinted images for clients, a skill she would continue to use until retirement.
Barbara loved the water. At a swimming hole, she met Wendell McCall, a fellow nature lover and friend of her brother Fred's. Barbara and Wendell were married November 9, 1940, and moved to Washington, D.C. for Wendell's job as a mapmaker. When Wendell joined the U.S. Army following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Barbara moved back home to Topeka to help her parents and resume her photography work.

After the war, Wendell and Barbara built a home in Topeka and had two children, Wayne and Joyce. The family spent countless summer weekends and holidays swimming, camping and boating on lakes in Kansas and Missouri. As one of Topeka's first female water-skiers, Barbara was the subject of a local news story in 1955.
Barbara loved people and pranks. She was known to put whoopie cushions on the chairs of unsuspecting friends and once left a rubber snake in her young son's bed.
Barbara and Wendell lived in Topeka until 1986, when they retired to Kimberling City, Mo., on Table Rock Lake. They enjoyed golfing, fishing, the company of friends and the serenity of the woods and water.

Barbara was a member of the United Methodist Church in Kimberling City and volunteered for a thrift shop that raises money for needy families.
She was sweet and cheerful to the end and loved by all who knew her.

The loved ones who preceded Barbara in death include her husband of nearly 57 years, Wendell; her parents; her brothers Fred (Mary) and Albert (Betty); and her beloved dog, Pookie Bear. She is survived by her children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorials may be made to Christian Associates Thrift Shop, 18252 Business 13, Branson West, Mo., 65737.

Cremation was under the direction of Stumpf Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.