Barbara Lee Bullington passed away November 1, 2020 at age 85.

She joins her late husband of 32 years, Dale, mother, Dorlas Jones, son, Scott Marrs, son-in-law, Bob Hendrickson, grandson, Brett Hendrickson, and brother, Gerald Wills.

She will be missed by her children, Julie Hendrickson, David Marrs, and Stan Bullington and wife Joan, and daughter-in-law, Brigitte Marrs; grandchildren Katharine and William Marrs, Beth Anne and Bobby Hendrickson and wife Jennifer, Hannah Marrs, Todd Bullington and wife Mandy, Jim Childress, and Julie Otto and husband Steve; great-grandchildren Brett and Macy Hendrickson, J.T., and Cooper Bullington, Braden Willard, Sonnie Childress, Jacob, John, and Bennett Otto; dear friend Dee Vincel and family; and cat Nikko.

Barbara, known by her friends as “Bobby,” moved to Springfield in second grade just after the US entered the war. At her new school she met her lifelong friend, Dee, and other good friends through Campfire Girls. She graduated from Springfield Senior High School (now Central) and went on to attend the St. John’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1955. There she found her life’s calling, serving 40 years as a nurse and in nursing administration at St. John’s Hospital and clinics (now Mercy) and consulting at medical facilities around the region. She remained close friends with her classmates from nursing school throughout her life.

Family and friends were Barbara’s greatest joy, and after retirement she enjoyed spending more time with those she loved. She was always active, even joining tap dance classes and ice skating lessons so she could take her grandchildren ice staking. Barbara loved gardening, reading, sewing and crafts, picnics at the Springfield Nature Center, musicals and attending local theater, cooking, baking (especially her famous chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin bread), hosting friends and family, and taking photos. She volunteered her time at church and in the community, and she never missed her kids’ and grandkids’ games, recitals, concerts, and plays. She and Dale enjoyed traveling and attending Springfield and St. Louis Cardinals games with friends.

She was a follower of Jesus, and her faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Springfield for several decades. Barbara was kind, thoughtful, strong, delightfully silly when playing with her grandchildren, and happiest when the people she loved were all together celebrating a birthday or holiday. She’ll be remembered for her love, determination, and sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 525 South Ave, Springfield, 65806. Pastor Michael Overton will lead funeral services at First Baptist on Friday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m.

Social distancing will be observed, and the service will be available live on the church’s Facebook page and website. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.