Barbara McGarrah

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Barbara Jane McGarrah, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 23, 2024, in Joplin, Missouri. She entered this life on February 2, 1933, in Gravette, Arkansas, one of five children born to the late Theron Nelson and Myrtle Leota (Hopkins) Barnes.

Raised in Decatur, Arkansas, Barbara was a graduate of Decatur High School, Class of 1951. Shortly after her graduation, she married the love of her life, Virgil McGarrah, on May 7, 1951. Together, they embarked on a journey that would span seventy-three years, filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

She is survived by her husband, Virgil McGarrah; two children, Debbie Roach and husband, Henry, of Grove, Oklahoma and Paula Ward and husband, Mick, of Carl Junction, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, JeAnna McGarrah of Neosho, Missouri; six grandchildren, Scott McGarrah and wife, Thuy, Ginger Kitchen and husband, Chuck, Barbi Trevarrow and husband, Chris, Cash Hoover, Lance Ward and Sydney Ward; seven great grandchildren, Caitlin, Ashley and Holly McGarrah, Zachary and LeAira Kitchen and Max and Leota Trevarrow; as well as a host of other family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David James McGarrah; three sisters, Irene Wilkins, Nina Murphy and Bonnie Barnes; and a brother, Clifford Barnes.

The McGarrahs' journey took them from their roots in Southwest Missouri/Arkansas to Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and California before they settled on a farm in Stella, Missouri. It was there that they raised their family, instilling traits of hard work, compassion, and strong values. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Midwest Land-Rush Realty in Neosho, Missouri, where they served their clients with integrity and warmth. 

After retiring in 1991, Barbara and Virgil embraced the joys of travel, exploring new places and making friends along the way. They spent their winters basking in the warmth of Arizona and Texas, creating a tapestry of adventures that they would fondly recount. Barbara was especially known for her loving heart, athleticism and world class cooking. She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends who were blessed to know her.

Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Decatur Cemetery in Decatur, Arkansas with Chaplain Danny Mullins officiating. Those honoring her life as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers are Henry Roach, Mick Ward, Scott McGarrah, Cash Hoover, Lance Ward, Chuck Kitchen, Chris Trevarrow and Zachary Kitchen. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.