Barbara Tucker

Barbara Tucker, 86, of Lawson, Mo., passed away on January 8, 2025. She was born on June 28, 1938 in Humansville, Mo., in the house her father built.

Barbara was born to Vivian and Elsie Rathbun. She graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Mo., and went to college at Christian College, an all girls college, in Columbia, Mo., where she got her Associates Degree in Accounting.

Barbara worked for TWA for several years before marrying the love of her life, Richard Tucker. To this union a daughter was born.

Barbara was a substitute teacher for the Lawson School District for many years. After the death of her husband, she worked as a secretary for Mt. Calvery Luthern Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo. She always joked about how she broke in six pastors while she was secretary there.

Barbara was a member of Old Union Church in Lawson. She was the Jr. Sunday School Superintendent for many, many years. She also headed the silent dinner and auction for many years. She loved to sew and paint.

Barbara was most proud of being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved going to watch her grandkids perform in concerts and play their sports. She said that God rewarded her three times over with three wonderful grandchildren that were healthy, loving, beautiful, handsome and smart.

Barbara also loved watching her “Sunday School Kids” grow into fine young adults and considered them family as well. She was also involved for many years with 4-H as a leader and judge. She loved seeing all the projects that the kids had made each year and loved to encourage them to keep trying and doing their best.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Cherie Gifford; her grandchildren, Garrett Gifford (Daija Coleman), Hunter Gifford (Destiny Manford), and Cheyenne Gifford (Preston Harvie). She is also survived by two other grandchildren, Kira Gifford and Annika Goy (Niklas Andreas); as well as three great-grandchildren, Landon Harvie, Aurora Goy and a great-granddaughter on the way.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband and many family members and friends.

Barbara will always be remembered as a very sweet and loving lady who lived life to the fullest and genuinely cared about people.

Barbara is now up in Heaven with her husband, her mother, her father and all her family and friends.

“What a glorious reunion that will be! I’ll see you all later and looking forward to when we ALL get to Heaven”- Barbara Tucker

Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel in Lawson, Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with burial at Old Union Cemetery in Lawson.