Barbara Flo (Weber) Essmann went to her eternal home with Jesus on July 7, 2026.  Barbara’s faith, gift of music, and fierce loyalty to family are her legacy.  We celebrate her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin and aunt.  She died peacefully at the age of 94.

Barbara was born on May 15, 1932, and grew up in Gerald, Missouri.  She got her first piano at age 6, and was accompanying the school chorus by 9th grade.  She worked after high school in various secretarial positions in both Gerald and St. Louis before taking a position for the Union School Board, where she worked at the high school.  During this time, she met her future husband, Bill, at a dance.  They married on May 2,1954.  When he graduated from University of Missouri and went immediately into the army, he was stationed at Ft. Smith Arkansas, where they met many life-long friends before they settled and raised their family in St. Louis, Missouri  They celebrated their 72nd anniversary in 2026.

Family was the center of Barb’s world. Barb and Bill had four children in less than three years, with “the twins” born in-between two daughters.  Barb never stopped moving–and this trait stayed with her the rest of her life.  She was chief caretaker, room mother, music-maker, girl scout leader, chef, and overseer of the busy home. While doing this, she also worked as a secretary for the Ferguson-Florissant School district.  After retiring, Bill and Barb moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1989.  There, Barbara enjoyed playing the piano, singing with the church choir and keeping up with her children and grandchildren’s activities.  She loved music, books, phone conversations, and supporting her family in their many and various endeavors.

Barbara grew up in the church and her faith grew throughout her life.  It expressed itself especially through her strong soprano voice and piano accompaniment in the many choirs she was in throughout her lifetime.  She set an example for her children by making church a priority.  This foundation made a lasting impact in their lives and the lives of their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the joy and love of Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 72 years, William Gene (Bill) Essmann, of Bland, Missouri, her four children, Cindy Miles (Walker), Bill Essmann (Kerry), Bob Essmann (Cheryl), and Julie Vitor (Ken).  Also by her ten grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren: Emily Phillips (Bobby) and family: Emerson, Brennen, Easton, and Boden; Rachel Flynn (Brice) and family: Isaac, Thea, and Miriam; Ann Ries (Chris Mays) and family: Ries, Callan and Quinn; Brady Schmedding (Thomas) and family: Julliette; Cait Stanton (Nate) and family: Catherine, Tommy, Olivia, and Luke; Kelsey Bethune (Jared) and family: Crew, Wells, and August; Meredith Morris (Brandon) and family: Stella and Nolan; Claire Essmann; Lisa Yost (Don) and family: Amanda Best (Jared), and Bruce Vitor (Liliana) and family: Ari and Eli.

Her family would like to thank the staff and many caregivers, especially Bobbi, at Amada Senior Care for their capable and loving care for Barbara over the past 3 1/2 years.

Burial service will occur Friday, July 10, 2026 at Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.  Please contact the family for details on a memorial service to be held in August.