Barbara Nikodym

Barbara Jean Nikodym, age 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on October 24, 1929, Barbara lived a life rich in love, compassion, and generosity.
Barbara's journey began in Sheridan, Wyoming, born to the late Ralph Gray and Eva (Jobson) Gray. Barbara moved, with her parents and brother, to San Diego, California when she was a young girl. Barbara graduated from Point Loma High School in 1947.
Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Nikodym on February 18, 1949. Together, they built a loving home and raised three wonderful children: David, Sandra, and Brian. Barbara was a devoted wife and mother, always putting her family first.
Barbara and Donald moved to Missouri in 1981 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed the St. Louis Post Dispatch crossword puzzles. She also loved to bake and listen to music, and she rarely missed
an episode of Days of Our Lives. Barbara (lovingly called Nana) had a profound love for her grandchildren and spending time with them was her greatest joy. She was always up for a game of Yahtzee or Uno and enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren with special treats and their favorite snacks. Coloring, tossing around a baseball, and playing croquet were a few of her other favorite things to do with her grandchildren.
Barbara's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her three children, David W. Nikodym (Sue) of Steelville, Sandra Helton of Holts Summit, and Brian R. Nikodym (Vicki) of St. Louis; brother -in-law, Jerry Cord; ten grandchildren. Nanci Nikodym (Eric Dunlap), Dawn Perkins (Scott), Jason Nikodym (Katie), Joshua Nikodym (Jaclyn), Lisa Veltrop (Terry), Michael Helton (Jordan), Eric Helton (Stephanie), Ellen Nikodym (Max Herzberg), Kate Nikodym, Julianna Nikodym (Ben); fifteen great grandchildren, Hannah Prophet (Joe), Makenna Dunlap, Naomi Perkins, Marli Perkins, Emeri Perkins, Adalei Perkins, Ella Nikodym, Jackson Nikodym, Emilie Nikodym, Jamos Nikodym, Juna Nikodym, Brandi Veltrop, Candace Goff (Chris), Lee Helton, and Oliver Herzberg; and great-great
grandchildren, Theryn Scott, Cooper Goff, and Alexis Goff, and numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Gray (Beverly) and sister Linda Cord, son-in-law, Mike Helton, and nephew, Stephen Conkle.
A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on March 21, 2025, at 4:00 pm with Pastor Heather Patton officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until the time of the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Michael J. Fox Foundation or U.S. Forest Service c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251
Barbara Jean Nikodym, "Nana" will be remembered as a beacon of love, kindness, and strength. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com