Barbara D. Van Ark

Barbara "Barb" D. Van Ark peacefully passed away on February 16, 2024, surrounded by her family at University Hospital after a brief illness. Her earthly struggles have now ended, and may she rest in peace with God.
Born in St. Louis, MO on November 3, 1931, to Emil W. and Dorothy A. (nee Drees) Heinrich, both deceased, Barb graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis in 1950. She then pursued studies in fashion design at Washington University in St. Louis, where her creative spirit was sparked. Though she didn't complete her degree, this marked the beginning of her journey into the working world.
Barb began her career as a switchboard operator at Barnes Hospital before moving on to Klines Department Store. There, she contributed her talents to the advertising department, excelling in window dressing, and occasionally engaging with customers on the sales floor.
Her life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life through mutual friends on a blind date. Barb often recounted that it was love at first sight. On September 10, 1960, she exchanged vows with Robert "Bob" E. Van Ark at the Independent Congregational Church in St. Louis, MO. This union marked the beginning of her lifelong residency in Jefferson City, a journey that spanned 53 years until Bob's passing in 2014.
Barb was a woman of many passions, with service being among the dearest to her heart. Throughout her years in Jefferson City, she actively participated in various organizations, including JC Jills, Janus Federated Women's Club, Lioness Club, Lions Club, Lions Pin Trading Club, Capital Region Volunteer Guild, Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, and the Historic City of Jefferson, to name a few. Her contributions to the community were extensive, from managing the JC Cole County Fair to assisting at the well-baby clinic, coordinating Meals on Wheels deliveries to elderly shut-ins, guiding high school sophomores on Capitol tours, preserving Jefferson City's history, and organizing the annual Jefferson City Homes Tour. Additionally, she supported youth in scouting, volunteered for over 40 years at Capital Region Hospital, and held numerous leadership positions within her clubs.
Despite her busy schedule, Barb always made time for self-improvement. She eagerly took cooking and painting classes, along with courses on the history of art and architecture, with a particular focus on Jefferson City. Museums were a cherished source of education for her, and she made it a point to visit many across the U.S. and London. Her creative spirit was infectious, and she delighted in sharing her talents with others.
Barb's love for collecting was evident throughout her life, beginning with stamp and matchbook cover collections from her youth. An avid reader, she immersed herself in countless books. Her greatest devotion, however, was to her family, including her children, grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her four children, Ruth Stegner (husband Jeff), Robert Van Ark, Jurry Van Ark (wife Nera), and Dorothy Van Ark (partner Jennifer Hogan); as well as seven grandchildren: Jessica and Rebecca Stegner, Curtis and Anyssa Surprenant, Vanessa, Madalyn, and Brook Van Ark.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her stepmother Ruth E. Heinrich.
She will be remembered as a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and a woman of immense kindness, generosity, and honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club International Fund (LCIF) c/o Host Lions Club, PO Box 6613, Jefferson City MO 65102, or to the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland (GSMH), PO Box 10747, Springfield, MO 65808, or online at http://www.girscoutsmoheartland.org. Please indicate "Barbara Van Ark memorial" in the memo line.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 217 Adams St, Jefferson City, with interment following at 2:00 p.m. at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens, 4205 Horner Rd, Jefferson City.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.