Barbara Heller

Barbara A. Heller, age 69, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at her home with her husband by her side.
Barbara was born on June 7, 1956, in Ft. Hood, Texas, to the late Earl Ephraim Jr. and Allene Rose (Hackney) Hoskins. She grew up in a loving, faith-filled home, and was fortunate to have many extended family members nearby throughout her life. After graduating from Jefferson City Senior High School in 1974, she began her career at Farm Bureau before accepting a position with the Missouri State Tax Commission. Barbara served as a Legal Coordinator for 37 years, retiring in 2013. During her career she continued her education and proudly graduated from Columbia College in 2002.
Barbara met the love of her life, William G. "Bill" Heller while he was playing softball, a sport they both loved playing. With both playing the catcher position, their connection began when Bill asked to borrow her mask, with absolutely no intention of returning it. From that simple moment grew a lifetime of love. They were united in marriage on September 22, 1978, in Elston, Missouri.
Barbara had a personality that filled every room. Outgoing and endlessly talkative, Bill lovingly joked that she could "talk to a wall." She enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, and tackling incredibly challenging jigsaw puzzles, especially 2,000-piece or double-sided. A lover of books, she could often be found lost in a story. She also had a gift for cooking, both at home and in her church kitchen, but baking was her true specialty. Her pumpkin bars became legendary, and she was fondly known as the grandma who made brownies for the Jefferson City High School Boys Soccer Team on away games.
Faith was central to Barbara's life. As a youth, she attended Elston Baptist Church. In her young adulthood, she was a member of Immanual Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Since 1998 she has been a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where she served joyfully in many roles: working in the church office, helping in the kitchen, participating in the Connecting Point Sunday School Class, assisting with children's choir, and playing an important part in Vacation Bible Camp each year. Her faith also inspired her to take several trips to the Holy Land. She had a love of traveling, visiting many other memorable destinations like Paris, London, Yellowstone, Alaska, China, and many other places.
Nothing meant more to Barbara than her family, especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. She supported them at every game, recital, or activity, no matter the weather. Nothing stood in her way, including icy bleachers at her grandsons' soccer game in Kansas City, leading to a fractured leg. She cherished playing card games like Uno and Skip-Bo, baking with her granddaughters, and cheering on their Jefferson City and Bolivar school and club sports teams. A true sports fan herself, she proudly rooted for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou Tigers, and Western Illinois Soccer.
Barbara will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her unwavering support of those she loved, her sense of humor, and her spark. She was spirited, loving, protective, stubborn or opinionated when it counted, and always ready to laugh. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and a heart big enough to make everyone around her feel special.
Survivors include her loving husband, William "Bill" Heller of the home; two sons, Michael B. Heller (Cherita) of Holts Summit, Mo. and Aaron G. Heller (Kate) of Bolivar, Mo.; four grandchildren, Cole Heller, Drew Heller, Addison Heller and Peyton Heller; two siblings, David Hoskins (Pam) of Elston, Mo., and Keri Wolters (Rick) of Holts Summit, Mo.; two nephews, Justin Wolters of Nashville, Tn. and Jordan (Lauren) Wolters of Columbia, Mo.; and numerous other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Allene Hoskins.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 301 E. Capital Ave., Jefferson City, MO, 65101.
A celebration of Barbara's life will begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2025, for those not able to attend, accessible on the Jefferson City First Baptist Church YouTube Channel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church- Refuge Youth Group, 301 E. Capital Ave., Jefferson City, MO, 65101.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.