Barbara Jean DeFord, age 83, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully in her own bed on Monday, December 11, 2023. She was the second daughter born to Marvin and Delilah Farris on August 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Barbara had three siblings; older sister Georgia Gitchell, younger brother, Doug Farris, and younger sister Judy Rick. She was proud to be a registered member of the Cherokee Nation.

From Tulsa, her family moved to California and eventually settled in Richland, Washington. It was there, while singing in the church choir at the local Assembly of God church, that she was spotted by Richard DeFord. Three years later, they were married on June 16, 1957 and were married for 66 years. They had three children; Teresa, Stephen, and Diana.

Although Barbara worked part-time jobs on occasion, she prioritized her role as a mother and homemaker while her children were young. Once they were older, she worked full-time for a few years managing Heather's, a women's clothing boutique. From there she went to work for and retired from the Assemblies of God national office, working in the mail room. Family was always her main focus. Her favorite pastime was perusing Instagram and Facebook, looking at all the latest photos and videos of her great grandchildren!

Barbara loved home decorating and was very good at it. When she finished decorating one room, it was time to start on the next room. Once she had redecorated the last room in the house, it was time to redecorate the first room! She bought more couches over the years than the family can count! To her credit, she was a bargain shopper and it was very fortunate for her to have married an able and willing Jack-of-all trades. She did the planning and purchasing and Dick did the painting and papering! This resulted in her always having a beautiful and comfortable home. It was even featured in the At Home section of the February 24, 2002 Springfield New & Leader!  She loved sharing her home. She was a natural hostess and had countless guests at her table over her lifetime.

Barbara loved Jesus, having accepted Him as her Savior as a child. She remained a faithful and active church attender throughout her life. She taught Sunday school and Missionettes (girls ministry), worked in the nursery, and sang in the choir. Sharing her flare for decorating and hospitality, she hosted a table in the annual Christmas Tea at Central Assembly for many years, always having one of the most colorful and prettiest tables! After retiring, she and Richard volunteered with the RV M.A.P.S. ministry for 18 years, helping to build churches around the country. One of her greatest joys was being the leader of a small group for older women, called the Heavenly Hatters. For nearly two decades it has been well attended and strengthened many women's friendships and relationships with the Lord.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Richard DeFord, daughter Teresa DeFord Petefish (Jason), son Stephen DeFord (Diana), daughter Diana DeFord, granddaughters Andrea Akins (Ryan Theodore), Katie Robbins (Cameron), grandsons Nathan Akins, Sam DeFord (Audrey), granddaughters Tessa Redel (Kyle), Meagan Sherwood (Nick), Melissa Saffron (Josh), 14 great grandchildren, sister Judy Rick (Jim), and cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Delilah Farris, her sister Georgia Gitchell, and brother Marvin Douglas Farris, and by her beloved Sheltie, Lady.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Central Assembly of God Church, 1301 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Mo 65802. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 with Reverend Don Tucker officiating. Burial will follow in the Rivermonte Memorial Gardens 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO 65804. Online condolences may be made at klingnerfuneralhome.com