Barbara Small

1936 - 2026

Barbara Eileen Irick was born in St. Louis, MO on August 31, 1936, to Beulah (Needham) and Harry K. Irick. She passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 89 while surrounded by family. While she was still a child the family moved to Fulton, MO where she was raised and she later graduated from Fulton High School in 1954. After high school she attended Brown's Business College in St. Louis where she perfected her secretarial skills and worked briefly before returning to Fulton.

Her early career led her to nearby Jefferson City to work in the Missouri Attorney General's office and shortly thereafter in the Budget Office located in the Capitol building. It was there that she met her future husband, Clifton. They married on March 13, 1960.

When Cliff accepted a position with Ford Motor Company the family, which now included their first of four children, moved to Liberty in January 1962. Barbara balanced the life of a full-time homemaker with occasional jobs outside the home. Over the next few years, and the arrival of three more children, her days became more devoted to raising and caring for her growing family.

As her family grew, she found herself being volunteered to cook for church dinners, youth events at church or school, swim team dinners, etc. Her love for and gift of cooking became her passion and ultimately a new career. After helping friends and family members with their weddings or special events she founded Alpine Catering and later opened the unique Crawford House restaurant in 1984. Prior to retiring in 1990 she helped launch the Hardware Café with her son, eventually publishing her cookbook that friends still enjoy today. Her secret to cooking success was "if butter and cream can't fix it then throw that recipe away!"

Retirement called so she and Cliff spent many years basking in the Florida sunshine. Eventually all the grandchildren got to make the special journey to spend holidays or summer breaks with Grandma. New friends there were easily found as Barbara's love for baking always found the doorstep of the newest neighbor.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Clifton N Small, daughter Eileen White (Paul), son Charles Small (Diane), daughter Lee Ann Kell (Ken), daughter Kenna Strider (Corey), and sister Colleen Wallace. She also leaves seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry & Beulah Irick and Kenneth Irick, brother.

Barbara always carried a love of hospitality and generosity to others.

Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Liberty, MO where Barbara and Cliff were longtime members, with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.

Park Lawn Funeral home will be arranging the service. A private graveside service will be held in Springfield, MO.