Barbara Nannette Stock

Barbara Nannette Stock, age 78, of Columbia, MO, passed away after a brief illness on

March 2, 2026, at Boone Hospital. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Barb was born on June 7, 1947, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to Jack Richard Owen and Evelyn Grey Houchins. As part of a military family, she moved around a lot. She considered Odessa, Texas, her home, as that was where she lived when she attended and graduated from Permian High School. She began studying art in college, but her family moved to Missouri before she could complete her art degree.

It was in Missouri that she met the love of her life, Larry Stock. She married Larry on May 9, 1970. They spent 55 wonderful years married.

Barb and Larry had two children, Melanie Elaine and Rebecca Nicolle. Barb dedicated her life to caring for her children and providing the most loving, stable, and fun home and upbringing for her girls.

Barb sacrificed returning to college to finish her degree because she didn't want to miss a moment of raising her daughters. Instead, she put her incredible painting talent to work, creating beautiful crafts, including wooden Easter eggs, Christmas ornaments, painted globes, decorated gourds, and many other home decor items. She sold her crafts at craft fairs across the state, some in neighboring states, and even organized and ran several craft fairs locally herself. She was able to make a living doing something she loved while also being home with her girls.

Barb's love, care, and generosity extended far beyond her family. Once you met her, you became family. You might strike up a conversation with her in line at the grocery store and find yourself invited to her home for one of the famous ornament exchanges she hosted for more than 35 years, or, if you were really lucky, maybe even Christmas dinner. She gave all of herself to others, and those of us who were lucky enough to have been on the receiving end of her love know just how lucky we were.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Larry, and her children Melanie and Becca, all of Columbia, Missouri. She is also survived by many extended family members and close friends.

Barb lived her life in color. If you ever visited her home, you noticed that not a single wall was painted white. She wanted to be surrounded by beauty, and color made her feel happy. People often talk about how someone lights up a room when they enter it. Barb didn't light up rooms; she made them sparkle. Because of that, the family would love it if anyone who plans to attend the visitation and/or her funeral would come dressed in your colorful best rather than anything somber. Barb loved parties, and we know she would want us to celebrate in her beautifully vibrant style. We want to see her incredible personality reflected in all of you.

A visitation to celebrate Barb's life has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Episcopal Church, 123 S. 9th St., Columbia, Missouri 65201. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. immediately after the visitation. A reception will follow. The visitation, funeral, and reception will all take place at Calvary Episcopal Church. Parking can be found nearby in the MU Hitt Street Parking Structure located at 299 Hitt Street, Columbia, Missouri 65201. It is a 5-minute walk to the church. Off-street parking is also available downtown.

If desired, donations can be made to St. Jude’s in Barb's name by visiting stjude.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com