Barbara Joan Manes, 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026.  She was born on November 11, 1936, in Springfield, Missouri to Morgan and Geneva Sapp.

Barbara was married to the love of her life, William “Pat” Manes for 65 years.  Together, they spent many wonderful years in Dallas and Corpus Christi, Texas before eventually returning to Springfield, Missouri, the place Barbara and Pat always considered home.

Barbara dedicated more than 25 years of her life to education, working as a teacher for several school districts.  Teaching was an important part of who she was, and through the years, she touched the lives of countless students.

In her younger years, Barbara was a Kiltie and played the cello in the orchestra at Central High School.  She carried her love of music throughout her life, playing the cello, piano, accordion, banjo and more.  She also found joy in quilting.  She was a devoted member of Boulevard Baptist Church, in Springfield, for the majority of her life.  Barbara loved spending time with family and friends and never turned down an opportunity for a little friendly competition.  She enjoyed playing dominoes, cards, board games and especially cornhole.  Barbara even claimed to be headed to the Senior Cornhole State Championship – even though her family never quite was sure this actually occurred, but one she was happy to claim, nonetheless.

Barbara was blessed with a special group of friends affectionately known as the “Three Amigos” who included Joyce Innskeep and Elaine Hoekstra, with whom she shared many memories, laughs, and adventures.  Barbara’s warmth, humor, determination and love for the people around her will be deeply missed.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Morgan and Geneva Sapp; her husband, “Pat” Manes; and her grandson, Aaron Thompson.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth (Carole) Sapp; her children, Janis Manes-Morris (Greg); Randy Manes; Teresa (James) Thompson; her grandchildren, Ryan (Blanca) Thompson and Matthew (Kaitlin) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Jacob Thompson; Jazmine, Abigail, Allison and Benjamin Thompson; and Tegan Thompson.

Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved her dearly, and countless people whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.  She will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to teaching, her faith in Jesus Christ, her musical spirit, her competitive streak, and above all, the love and laughter she shared with those around her.

Barbara’s care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.