Barbara was united in marriage March 19 , 1965, to Jerry Banks. From this union four children were born. Barbara and Jerry recently celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary with a cruise to the Caribbean Islands.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Linda Jennings.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Jerry Banks of Republic, MO; children, Tracy Banks of Florida, Ben Banks of Ozark, MO, Emily Quinlan and husband John of Willard, MO, and Joshua Banks of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren, Ashley Bedlion, Cliffy and Dustin Banks, Brennan and Tanner Banks, Chanse, Makayla and Drew Quinlan; great-grandchildren, Marissa Johnson and Lyla Bedlion; brother-in-law, Ray Jennings of Paxton, IL; sister, Connie Arsenault and husband Paul of Elliott, IL; and brother, Steve Miller and wife Shirley of Bloomington, IL; as well as many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Barbara devoted her life and career to care giving. At the young age of 14 she began working at Gibson Manor in Gibson City, IL, as a nursing assistant. Barbara continued providing care and assisting those in need until she retired from the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Barbara's family was the center of her being. There was not a day that went by that she did not communicate with or see her children. She was the living definition of Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling and trying her luck with the lottery, but most of all she enjoyed being with her family. During the Christmas holiday, Barbara and Jerry had their home filled with so much love and laughter. All of her children and spouses, grandkids and close friends gathered to celebrate the holiday. Even with her declining health, Barb decorated their home in the spirit of the holiday and made her famous peppermint bark and cream cheese balls. This was Barbara's wish.

Barbara and Jerry are members of Hood United Methodist Church in Republic MO. Barbara accepted Christ into her heart as her Lord and Savior. She believed in the power of prayer. The last days of her life were answered in prayer.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, with a celebration of Barbara's life following at 11 AM, Wednesday, January 11, 2017, in the Hood United Methodist Church, Republic. Inurnment will follow at 2 PM, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Three Rivers Hospice for the compassionate and responsive care Barbara received.

?I haven't really left you, even though it may seem so. I've gone to my heavenly home, and am closer than you know.