Barbara Ray Hoofnagle, age 92 of Joplin, passed away March 16, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. She was born July 12, 1923, the daughter of William (Billy) John Bell and Trilla (Bowman) Bell in Joplin, Mo. Some of her fondest childhood memories included spending the summers at Bella Vista, AR with her Grandmother Ruby Bowman. Barbara graduated from the former Joplin Junior College in 1942 and Drury College in Springfield with a degree in Religious Studies. She married Elmer Wayne Ray in 1947 and enjoyed raising her family of seven children. She began her teaching career in 1970 with the Missouri State Schools for the Severely Handicapped in Neosho and eventually taught in Joplin when the Jasper and Newton county schools combined. She retired in 1992 after a fulfilling 22 year teaching career.
Throughout her life, she was dedicated to studying God’s word and being in fellowship with others. She was married to E. Wayne for fifty years. After his death, she became even more involved in church work having been baptized and active in it most of her life. She loved serving the Lord through teaching both children and adult classes, being active in CWF and serving as an elder and chairman of the board at South Joplin Christian Church. She was a member and discussion leader of Bible Study Fellowship during her years there. In 2000, she met and married Leon Hoofnagle and was blessed by him and his loving family.
She enjoyed being anywhere near the water and participated in Aquacize classes even in her later years. She and her first husband, started a family tradition of spending a week at Table Rock Lake every summer – a tradition her children and grandchildren continue today. She loved to read and do handiwork such as sewing or crocheting. She always had a smile for everyone. In 2008, she and Leon joined Park Plaza Christian Church. She continued to serve the Lord by leading the Women’s Bible Study, singing in the choir and helping wherever she was needed. She was admired for her wisdom, faith, patience (raising 5 boys and twin girls!) and her tremendous love for others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, and eldest son, Randy Ray. Survivors include Sons: William, David, Ronald, Thomas Ray (Dana); Daughters: Dianne Daugherty (Jerry), Trilla Ray Carter (Monty); daughter-in-law, Phyllis Ray Vaughan; Step-sons, Larry, Gary Hoofnagle (Lesa). Grandchildren: Chris Ray, Ryan Ray (Melissa), Tyler Ray (Emily), Rev. McKinna Daugherty, Madison, Keaton, Lydia, Collins Ray, Lori Ramsey (Arron) and Shannon Stansberry (Jennifer). Her Step-grandchildren are Grant, Laura, Lindsey and Lacey Hoofnagle. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren.
All are welcome to join her family in remembering and celebrating her life on Sunday, March 20th at Park Plaza Christian Church (3220 Indiana Avenue, Joplin, MO), with a visitation from 1-3 p.m. and memorial service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara requests contributions in her honor be made to hospice or a charity of your choice.
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