Barbara Chastain, age 81, of Springfield, Missouri, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away on September 9, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born on December 16, 1944, to Harold Peck and Ruth (Edwards) Peck in Wichita, Kansas. She was raised in Wichita and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1961. Barbara livedContinue Reading
Barbara Chastain, age 81, of Springfield, Missouri, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away on September 9, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born on December 16, 1944, to Harold Peck and Ruth (Edwards) Peck in Wichita, Kansas. She was raised in Wichita and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1961.
Barbara lived a life of service, faith, and love for others. She devoted more than 44 years to public education, touching the lives of countless students, families, and fellow educators throughout her career. Barbara was a longtime member of the Aldersgate Church of Nixa where her faith was an important part of her life. She was also an avid quilter and generously made and donated over two thousand quilts to Newborns in Need along with countless onesies, socks, hats, and books. Above all, Barbara treasured her family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Peck and her mother, Ruth (Edwards) Peck. She is survived by her son, Josh, and his wife, Jennifer; three beloved granddaughters: Ashley (Ben) O’Connor, Catherine (Connor) Matthews, and Aubrey Chastain; and a cherished great-granddaughter, Eleanor Matthews. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy.
Barbara will be remembered for her strength, generous heart, dedication to education, and love for her family and friends. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Terrace Hospice, especially her nurses Noadia and Dana, for the compassionate care and support they provided to Barbara and her family.
A visitation for Barbara will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 3:30-4:00 pm, at Aldersgate Church of Nixa. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation at 4:00 pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to Aldersgate Church of Nixa (460 Aldersgate Drive Nixa, MO 417-725-4949) or Newborns in Need (1740 South Glenstone Avenue #S, Springfield, MO, ninspfd@gmail.com or newbornsinneed.org, 417-881-2229).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.
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