Barbara Jean Drebes

Barbara Jean Drebes, 77, of Palmyra, MO passed away at 6:21 PM, Thursday, August 7, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 11,2025, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Barbara's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Barbara was born September 30, 1947, in Hannibal, MO, to Carl Kempf and Hazel Marie Reininger. She was later adopted by Leroy Zeiger and Opal Wood. She was married to Arthur C. Drebes on October 24, 1972, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO. He preceded her in death on November 1, 2013.
Survivors include her children, Bryan (Cheryl) Drebes of Omaha, NE, Christina (Nathan) Scholz of Milwaukee, WI, Julie (Jeff) Sharrow of Palmyra, MO, grandchildren, Grace Scholz of St. Louis, MO, Bailey Scholz of Atlanta, GA, Gabe Scholz of Milwaukee, WI, Ethan Scholz of Milwaukee, WI, Julius Sharrow of St. Louis, MO Jayden Sharrow of Palmyra, MO, Lily Sharrow of Palmyra, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Carl Kempf, Bill Kempf, Donald Kempf, sisters, Karen Gibson, Judy Robinson and Mary Henderson.
Barbara was a cherished homemaker. Her life was a testament of kindness, laughter, and devotion. Barbara's heart was truly her home. Barbara took great joy in helping to raise her grandchildren. She instilled in them the values of love, humor, and the simple pleasures of life. Her cooking and baking skills were the highlight of family gatherings, with her pork cutlets, mashed potatoes and gravy, and especially her baked cinnamon rolls will be fondly remembered.
Barbara was well-known for her playful spirit and good-natured teasing. Her sense of humor brought light to everyday moments, and she left a trail of smiles wherever she went. Barbara's ability to listen with empathy made her a friend to many.
Barbara enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball and was an avid reader of Historical Christian, and Amish literature. Her love for puzzles, crosswords, and word finds showcased her sharp mind and love for challenges.
Barbara's musical tastes were the sounds of Old Gospel, traditional country melodies, like George Jones, Elvis's Gospel Album, and Alan Jackson.
Barbara will be profoundly missed, yet her light will continue to shine in the lives of those she has left behind.
Barbara was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, MO.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Sharrow and Barbara's grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church.