Barbara L. Martin (nee Julien) passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 78.Barbara was born in Los Angeles, California to Robert and Gertrude Julien on September 4, 1947.
Beloved wife of Kerry L. Martin; devoted mother of Edith (Nathan) Voyles, Laura (Patrick) Anson and Leslie Hardesty; cherished grandmother of Taylor Ann Marie Anson and Jaxson James Hardesty;
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Robert & Gertrude (nee Crager) Julien.
She was a loving sister to her five brothers and her sister. Madelaine (nee Julien) Hendricks who preceded her in death. She also was an affectionate aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Barbara proudly earned her commercial pilot’s license and took her first solo flight in 1963 — an accomplishment she always held with pride.
Barabara met her beloved husband Kerry, on a blind date in 1971. Just six months later they were married beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 53 wonderful years. She devoted several years to her work as a secretary before stepping away to focus on raising her children. Barbara was the heart of the home, as a truly dedicated homemaker for years. Later, she worked at the Early Childhood Center at the West County YMCA.
She was a talented seamstress who made many of her own clothes and also enjoyed crocheting and crafting. Barbara loved spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking, always excited to try a new recipe.
She had a fondness for clowns, especially Emmett Kelly, and brought that same sense of joy and warmth into the lives of those around her. She was an active member of the PTO, chaperoned many school trips, and was often the first to volunteer for school activities. Above all, she adored her grandchildren and was immensely proud of each of them.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Evelyn's House, 1000 N. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Barbara’s life at the visitation on February 19, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 am. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 am both will be held at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63129. Interment following services to Valhalla Cemetery.
Please follow the link below to join the live streaming on Friday, February 20, 2026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4830 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129

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