Barbara Simpson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Barbara J. Simpson, age 81, of Joplin, passed away on Monday October 12, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, following an illness.

Barbara was born on May 18, 1934 in Joplin the daughter of the late Arthur and Veda (Cooper) Wise. She has been a lifetime area resident. She married William Simpson on December 30, 1953 and together they raised four children. She worked as an LPN for Oak Hill Hospital, and as an industrial nurse for Hunt’s and Gallo Winery in California. She was a longtime member of the Webb City VFW and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary where she served as past president for both. She enjoyed working cross word puzzles, gardening, and baking.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Simpson in 2008; an infant daughter, Carolyn Simpson; a brother, Carl Dean and a sister Mary Belle. She is survived by one son, Jack Woods, Columbus, Ohio; three daughters, Alicia Cagle and husband Randy, Joplin, Trisha Palmer and husband Raymond, Pierce City, Mo., and Becky Howe and husband Stephen, Joplin; twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary.