Barbara Stafford

October 30, 1948 - May 3, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY On May 3, 2011, Barbara Stafford was welcomed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and difficult struggle with complications from heart surgery. We rejoice that she is now whole and complete and no longer suffering. Barbara was born on October 30, 1948 at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, the second child of Wesley and Imogene Gant. Barbara was a devoted wife, loving mother, loyal sister, and caring friend. She was honest, gentle, compassionate, and faithful. She retired after a career as a school librarian in the Mid-Del School District. She was passionate about reading and loved working with children and for nearly thirty years taught Sunday School to numerous elementary age children at her church. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was a priority in her life and was evident in the way she faithfully served. She loved to travel with her family, but she also was content being at home with her cats. No one could make a better pie, and she enjoyed baking them for others. For the last six years, she thoroughly enjoyed being Grandma to her three grandchildren. Barbara graduated from Kubasaki High School, Okinawa in 1966. She completed an undergraduate degree in Education from OU in 1970, and received a Master of Education in 1990. Barbara married Dwight Stafford in 1970. During their early years of marriage, Barbara courageously fought and overcame Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In 1977 they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Emily. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Paul Gant. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Dwight Stafford, her daughter, Emily Galloway and husband Mike, and their children Hannah, Leah, and Lucas; her sister, Lindell Mills; and three brothers, Jim Gant and wife Anne, Richard Gant and wife Debbie, John Gant and wife Mary; as well as many nieces, nephews, and numerous other loving family and friends. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff who lovingly cared for her at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Barbara will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Ministry at Putnam City Baptist Church. Public visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 5, with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 6, at Putnam City Baptist Church, 11401 N. Rockwell in Oklahoma City.