Barbara “Barb” Ann Stradford, 64, Bland, passed away July 30, 2024, at her residence.
She was born Sept. 11, 1959, a daughter to the late Billy Russell “Russ” and Maxine (Price) Elrod in Rolla.
She was a lifelong area resident and was a 1978 graduate of Belle High School. Barbara received her associate degree in business from Linn Tech.
She was united in marriage to Donald Stradford Feb. 9, 1980, at the Bland Christian Church. Donald survives of their home.
Barb worked at several factories through the years including 10 years at the Brown Shoe Factory in Owensville. She owned and operated the Spotted Rooster Antique Store in Bland for five years. Her favorite job, however, was being a stay-at-home mom as she loved taking care of her family.
Barb enjoyed reading, watching the Olympics and tennis, and baking. She was very crafty and did chainsaw and knife carving, made quilts for everyone in her family, and crocheting as well as many other projects. Barb loved being at the Gasconade River fishing and spent every weekend there when the kids were younger. She loved going antiquing and collecting chickens, rolling pins, crocks, and jars among other things. Her favorite times were spent spoiling her granddaughter, Kenzi and spending time with her family.
Barb was preceded in death by mother and father, Billy and Maxine; brother, John Cox; stepbrother Bob Baxtor; and brother-in-law Sonny Murphy.
She is survived by husband of 44 years, Don; son, Benjamin Stradford of Bland; daughter, Holly Kleinheider and husband Daniel of Belle; granddaughters, Kenzi Cetroute and Joelie Shafer; brother, Jim Elrod of Paydown; and sisters, Beverly Murphy of Belle and Robin Teel and husband Tom of Fulton; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Bland Christian Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Bland.
