Barbara Jane Musgrave was born May 4, 1937 in Joplin, Missouri to Isabel “Jane” Conway and Roy Benjamin Bressie. She and her brother Ronnie were later adopted by Jesse “Jones” Owen.
After Jones’ passing, Isabel Jane married Richard Henry Blank, and Barbara and Ronnie lived with them in Joplin along with three brothers, Rick, Bob, and Dave Blank.
Barbara’s first daughter was Linda Jane Doane, and after Barbara married Jerry Musgrave, she had her second daughter Julie Renee Musgrave.
Barbara was a fiercely devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was among the hardest working and most compassionate of people. She frequently outperformed her male peers working at a number of machine and manufacturing shops in the Joplin area. She later returned to school and earned her certification as an Information Specialist at St. John’s Hospital.
Barbara was esteemed by all those she worked with there. In addition to being employee of the year, she survived the Joplin tornado of May 2011 while working there that day. She was able to escape the rubble, with her walker, a testament to her profound tenacity, strength, and grace. She later became a communications specialist at Joplin Mercy Hospital until she retired for health reasons in 2017.
Barbara will be remembered by many as a powerful doer and provider, always with an unmistakable smile on her face. She unflinchingly cared for those in her life, from acquaintances, to co-workers, to family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her brother Ronnie Owen, and she is survived by her daughters, Linda Arft and Julie Chicoine; three brothers, Rick (and Diane), Bob (and Sandi), and Dave; grandsons Justin Arft (and Elaine) and Caleb Chicoine; and three great grandchildren, Henry, Benjamin, and Penelope Arft.
Barbara’s grace was only second to her humility and she made the world a better and easier place for everyone lucky enough to be in her life.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, do something kind and considerate for someone in the spirit that she would have.
I worked with Barbara for 10 years at STJ. She was always a guiding light in my life. Her kindness, wisdom, values and true friendship were a blessing. Her love of her family and work ethic were the truest I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
ReplyDeleteI worked with Barbara at STJ for 10 years. She was an amazing lady. She could work circles around us and she was go, go, go all the time. She was so kind hearted and friendly and would do anthing for anyone. STJ was a better place with Barbara working there. She will be truly missed by those who loved an adored her.
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