Barbara A. Gard

Barbara Ann Fortner Gard of Springfield, MO, passed away on January 15, 2025, at Mercy Hospital following a ten-year battle with an illness. She was born on March 26, 1943, in Kansas City, MO, to Henry and Wilma Fortner, who, along with her brother Jerry Fortner, preceded her in death. Barbara's family moved to Springfield when she was young, and she graduated from Parkview High School in 1961. She went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, and Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. On September 20, 1963, Barbara married Benny Gard at South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, and they were blessed with two children, Debora Woody and Dennis Gard. From a young age, faith played a central role in Barbara's life. One Sunday evening during the invitation, her grandfather invited her to accept Christ, and she did. Later, she felt God's call to be a pastor's wife. Benny often joked that it took him a year and a half to convince her he was the right preacher for her. Barbara's love for music and ministry began early. At just 13, she became the first pianist at South Haven Baptist Church, which her family helped establish. Throughout her life, she faithfully supported her husband in the churches where he served. Barbara was a devoted leader who taught piano lessons to children, directed youth and children's choirs, and led choir tours. Just prior to her illness she was chairman of the Missouri Baptist Convention pastor's wives fellowship dinner that met during the Missouri Baptist Convention. Currently, she is a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Her teaching career spanned roles in Lebanon, El Dorado Springs, and Independence, MO, and as an assistant librarian in Houston, MO. She had a special passion for working with students with special needs. In 1973, while Benny attended seminary, Barbara discovered her talent for puppetry. At a seminar she learned how to make and use puppets, shortly thereafter she introduced her first creation, Holly, at her daughter's school. What began as a small classroom presentation quickly became a schoolwide event. Holly became an integral part of Barbara's ministry and humor. Known for her infectious laugh, Holly delighted countless audiences, often teasing Benny during children's sermons. Over her lifetime, Barbara delivered nearly 3,000 children's sermons, appeared on the radio to help advertise the local shoe store, and even created a second puppet, Coco the chimpanzee. In 1994, Barbara was invited to Belarus to train women in puppetry for ministry. When she shared this news with her father, he became emotional. She assured him she would be safe and he did not need to worry. Her father explained that decades earlier, her grandfather-who had led her to Christ-prayed that someone in their family would one day share the Gospel in Russia. Barbara's work in Belarus, part of the former USSR, fulfilled that prayer and became a treasured part of her legacy. Barbara exemplified grace, kindness, and support as a pastor's wife. She had a gift for connecting with others, often offering comfort and encouragement through troubled times. With her winning smile, contagious humor, and mischievous spirit she caught the attention and love of others. In 2015, Barbara was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the physical challenges, she maintained her faith and never complained. She expressed gratitude for even the smallest acts of kindness from her husband, often apologizing for not being able to do more herself. Her resilience and positive attitude inspired those around her even as she used a walker, could no longer drive herself, and could no longer do household chores. Barbara is survived by her husband of the home; her sister, Wanda Longan of Altamont, KS; her children, Debora Woody of Olathe, KS, and Dennis Gard and wife Lisa of Eureka, MO; five grandchildren, Nathaniel Gard and wife Sarah, and great-grandson Matthias of Columbia, MO; Gabriel Gard and wife Emilia of Kirksville, MO; Blake Gard, Rafe Gard of Eureka, MO; Brayden Woody of Olathe, KS; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Barbara's life was a testament to her unwavering faith, love for others, and dedication to serving God. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the purchase of Bibles through Gideon's International. Arrangements include Visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn East Funeral Home at 3540 E. Seminole St. Springfield, MO with burial immediately following at Rose Hill Cemetery in Willard, MO.