Barbara Sue Cheatham

With full hearts and deep sadness, our family announces the passing of Barbara Bare Cheatham, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose spirit and unwavering devotion shaped generations. Barbara was born on February 26, 1948, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Claude and Katherine Bare. In 1960, her family moved to Sand Springs, Oklahoma, where she completed her high school years-and where the most important chapter of her life began.
In the ninth grade, Barbara met her childhood sweetheart, Steve Cheatham, and the two quickly became inseparable. They married in 1967 and went on to share 57 beautiful years together. Steve was her best friend, her constant companion, and the great love of her life. They enjoyed countless adventures-going to the lake, fishing, camping, visiting casinos-and they found joy simply in being together.
Barbara was a devoted and proud mother to their three children: Stephanie Helling and husband Travis, Tim Cheatham and wife Sasha, and Angela Looper and husband Shawn. Nothing brought her more happiness than her family, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind eight grandchildren-Gage Helling, Garrison Sochor and fiancé Makenzie Polen, Gavin Sochor and wife Jordan, Blane Helling, Skylar Cheatham, Reece Cheatham, Hunter Hickman, and Hadley Hickman-and three great-grandchildren: Everly Sochor, Olivia Sochor, and Elora Sochor and her dog Bubba. Her face lit up whenever she spoke of them, and she took tremendous pride in each of their lives.
Barbara was an avid sports fan and loved watching all her kids and grandkids participate in their various activities from baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, color guard, and cheerleading.
Barbara had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and the family takes comfort in imagining her being reunited in heaven with the many beloved pets who brought her joy throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Steve. Her parents, Claude and Katherine Bare, and her brothers Charles, Albert, and Jim. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law Janet Bare and sister-in-law Marilyn Cheatham, who held a special place in her life.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her steady strength, her devotion to family, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the people she loved so deeply and the memories that will forever be held close to our hearts.