Barbara Jean Bode

Barbara Jean Bode of Alanreed passed from this life into eternity on January 28, 2026, her 87th birthday, with her children by her side.

Barbara's early years were spent on the family farm in Bula, Texas, where she was doted on by her parents, grandparents, and a host of aunts and uncles.

At the age of five, she was put on a train alone to travel across the country to join her parents, Dee and "Millie" Baxter, after they moved to California to take jobs with Douglas Aircraft during the heyday of East Los Angeles.

Barbara attended Savanna School and later Anaheim High School. There she met Peggy Bode, along with Peggy's sister Betty and brother Hank. The friendships formed during those years led her to spend much cherished time with the entire Bode family.

Peggy later introduced Barbara to her brother Dick while he was home on a weekend leave from the Air Force. It wasn't long before he won her heart, and they were married on June 13, 1958. They shared 62 years devoted to each other.

Barbara and Dick had three children and made their home in California before spending several years in Oklahoma and Mississippi. She had always enjoyed time with her aunt and uncle at the ranch in Alanreed, from cherished childhood visits to family vacations with her children. By the grace of God, they purchased the ranch and moved to Texas.

After her children graduated from high school, Barbara took classes at Clarendon College. A lifelong lover of art, she discovered a true talent. She became a wonderful artist, and prints of her work hang in countless businesses and homes across the panhandle.

Barbara also enjoyed several years operating an antiques and collectibles shop located on historic Route 66 in McLean, where she met people from all walks of life.

Gentle but resilient, Barbara was as hardy as a wildflower, her roots planted firmly in Texas soil. As tough as the land itself, she was quick to grab a gun and take care of a rattlesnake when necessary. She lived on the ranch for more than 50 years, choosing to remain there after Dick preceded her in death in 2020. She spent the last years of her life contentedly living there on her own.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents, Dee and Mildred Baxter; her brothers, Richard Baxter and Dennis Baxter; two brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.

She is survived by her children: Margie Braidfoot of Panhandle; Dirk Bode of Amarillo; and Don Bode and wife Michele of Amarillo. She is also survived by her grandsons, Ben Braidfoot of Panhandle and Bo Braidfoot and wife Lynda of Cibolo; and her great-granddaughter, Emma Melber of Cibolo. Additional survivors include her sister, DeEllen Baxter of Ashland, Oregon; six sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her devoted dog, Blue.

Barbara was truly grateful for the McLean Grief Group, which provided weekly comfort and friendship.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Robertson Funeral Directors, 100 Fourth Street in McLean. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th, at McLean Methodist Church, 219 Gray Street in McLean. Burial will follow at the Bode Family Cemetery on the D-B Ranch in Alanreed.

Memorial donations may be made to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 212, McLean, TX 79057 or to the Grief Group in care of McLean Methodist Church, P.O. Box 125, McLean, TX 79057