Barbara Squires

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Barbara Anne Squires, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 90.

Barbara was born on June 2, 1935 in Carthage Missouri and grew up as both a city and country farm girl, After high school and business school, she began her professional career as an executive secretary for Rocketdyne/North American Aviation in Neosho, Missouri. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Andy Squires, on a blind date in 1961. Their connection was immediate, and just six months later they were married, beginning a beautiful life together marked by love, devotion, and partnership.

A year after their marriage they welcomed their son, Ron, and five years later their daughter, Lori. Barbara devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family as a homemaker and steadfast partner to Andy. While Andy developed and grew several local businesses in Springfield—Cherry Street Lumber Company, Janss Lumber Company, and Missouri Millwork—Barbara created a home filled with warmth, stability, and love. Her quiet strength and constant encouragement helped lay the foundation for both their family and the success of those ventures.

Barbara had a special place in her heart for children. She gave generously of her time, volunteering in the Springfield Public Schools for more than 15 years and contributing over 2,000 hours of service. Her giving spirit also extended to her church family at South Street Christian Church, where she worked with the Cougar Club, tutoring neighborhood youth and encouraging them to believe in themselves.

Family was always the center of Barbara’s life. She never missed a sporting event, school activity, or special milestone for her children and later for her grandchildren. She took great joy in spending summer vacations with her grandchildren in Branson at Silver Dollar City and seeing shows and playing mini-golf. She took joy in the everyday moments of family life and had a special way of making people feel loved and remembered. One of her simple but meaningful traditions was sending greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, letting family members know she was thinking of them.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and her deep devotion to the people she loved. She lived a life of quiet generosity, always putting others first and finding joy in caring for those around her.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Andy Squires; Children: son Ron Squires and wife Kristen; daughter Lori Squires; Grandchildren: Michael Squires and wife Michelle; Andrew Squires; Collin Miller. Great-grandchildren: Hadlee, Hayes, and Elizabeth. She is also remembered with love by many extended family members and dear friends.

Barbara’s life was a beautiful example of faith, family, service, and love. The kindness she shared and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Turner’s Rock Memory Care for the kindness, compassion, and dedicated care they provided Barbara during the final years of her life.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery.