Barbara Ann Ward

Funeral services for Barbara Ann Ward of Amsterdam, Missouri will be 2 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation prior to services 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com. The service will be available to watch on Zoom. To enter the services Dial 253 215 8782, meeting ID 850 3341 9786, Password. 303 704

Barbara Ann Ward passed away January 22nd, 2026 with her family by her side.

Barbara Ann Ward, age 88 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born May 5, 1937 to Virgil Victor and Cleda Irene Thornbrugh Ward in Marysville, Kansas. Barbara, one of four children, lived in Amsterdam, Missouri her whole life. She graduated from Miami High School in 1955. Barbara was the loving mother to two boys.

If you knew Barbara, then you know that what we will all miss the most about Barbara is her smile; it was warm and genuine and somehow made you feel like everything was going to be okay. Even in these last years, even when age had slowed her down, that smile remained–timeless, radiant and utterly beautiful.

Barbara never left the house without being put together. Hair in place, makeup done and dressed with class. She understood that how we present ourselves to the world matters, not out of vanity, but out of dignity. Beneath that polished exterior was someone who was soft-spoken, never pushy, never intrusive. She was that rare mother-in-law who never meddled in her sons' marriages–only supported. She had this wisdom, this restraint that's so uncommon.

Then there were the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara was the cool grandma. She didn't just babysit-she entertained, she engaged, she gave every ounce of herself to the point of exhaustion. There were so many times after a day with the kids, she was worn out, but she still had that smile on her face.

Being the daughter of Virgil Ward; she was taught to fish, and make lures at his company, Bass Buster Lures. She tied thousands of feather jigs and put hundreds of lures together.

Barbara also loved to travel, to experience new places and revisit old favorites. She understood that life was meant to be lived. Whether she was out in the swimming pool or stretched out in the sun with a diet coke and a good book, she embraced life with open arms.

Barbara had a great sense of humor and ability to make you laugh. Her humor came very naturally and often out of the clear blue.

Barbara's faith was important to her. She was a devout Jehovah's Witness, and while she lived that faith more through actions than words-true to her soft-spoken nature-it was the foundation of everything she did. Her generosity, her kindness, her ability to love-all flowed from a deep well of faith.

Eighty-eight years, eighty-eight years of that smile. Eighty-eight years of class. Eighty-eight years of a woman who knew how to be soft and strong at the same time, who could catch a fish and rock a baby, who could give advice when asked but knew the power of silence.

So today, as we say goodbye to Barbara-to Mom, to Grandma, to Great-Grandma, to friend, let's remember that smile. Let's remember her laughter and style, her family stories and her quiet wisdom. Let's remember how she loved us, not by controlling or demanding, but by supporting and believing. Let's remember how she gave of herself until there was nothing left to give, and then somehow found a little more

Rest now Barbara. Your hair is perfect, your smile is radiant and you are as always, absolutely beautiful. We love you. We thank you and until we meet again, we will hold you in our hearts.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Terry West and wife Kassie of Butler, Missouri and Larry West and wife Shirlie of Amoret, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Grant West, Vanessa West, Alex West (Brooke), Benson Schwark, Wren Smith, Arthur Smith and Mason Jackson (fiancé, Cailey Weber); seven great-grandchildren, Colin, Ethan, Khloe, Natalie, Nolan, Maverick and Bentley; and two sisters, Karen Brown and Sandy Curnutte. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Billy Ward.

Family requests contributions to the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel and Crematory for funeral expenses.