Barbara H Devine

Barbara Hirst Devine, 71, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at her home.
Barbara was born on July 13, 1953, in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, the daughter of William Henry Hirst and Elizabeth Jean Hirst.
Barbara cherished her dogs, especially Toto, her beloved miniature poodle. She enjoyed music, travel, theater, cooking delicious meals (and especially her holiday cookies, breads, and Chex Mix), and crafting of all kinds, from ceramics to scrapbooking, where she could channel her endless creativity. She never met a stranger, and brought color, joy, and sparkle into the lives of those she met. Barbara had a radiant spirit and a deep appreciation for all things fun, beautiful, and full of life.
Above all, Barbara loved her family fiercely, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Nothing made her happier than time spent with them, whether sharing stories, decorating for holidays, playing with Toto, visiting the craft store, playing outside in the children's garden she designed, enjoying grandparents day at their school, shopping for cute clothes, eating out, seeing each and every performance of their theatrical productions, dying Easter eggs, reading bedtime stories, or relishing in all of their accomplishments. Barb excelled at being a grandma. She treasured each memory and made sure her grandkids knew how much she loved them.
She was a longtime member of the Missouri United Methodist Church and a Master Gardener. She enjoyed working with people, including as an administrative assistant at Trinity Lutheran Child Learning Center and as a concierge at Hy-Vee.
She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her two children, T.J. Devine and wife Jenny of Jacksonville, IL and Kathleen Hinrichs and husband Nathan of Ottawa, KS; former husband Dan Devine; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Devine, Danny Devine, Allie Hinrichs and Mia Hinrichs; one sister, Susie Gerschwiler and husband Bill of Shorewood, WI, and two nephews Justin and Josh Gerschwiler.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, George "Skip" Hirst.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Missouri United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m. Family will be available to meet and greet visitors from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd. Columbia, MO 65202.