Elenora “Nodie” Barber
Elenora “Nodie” Barber, formerly of Quincy and Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on February 2, 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on February 27, 1929 in Springfield, Kentucky, the daughter of Herman and Gertrude (Buckman) Smith. She graduated from St. Catherine Academy in Springfield, Kentucky. She married Richard W. “Buddy” Barber in Springfield, Kentucky, on August 25, 1956. His career in insurance took them to Louisville, Bloomington and Kankakee before they moved to Quincy in 1969.
Nodie was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Quincy. Nodie was among the original employees at Bergner’s department store, where she worked in the women’s clothing department before her retirement.
Growing up in a close-knit, small town, where her father was county sheriff and her mother drove the library book mobile, Nodie was fun-loving and brought joy to her family and friends. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was happiest when her house was full, especially with children. With the refrigerator stocked with Diet Coke and the pantry with Little Debbie snacks, she always had treats for guests, including grand-dogs under the table. Always the first to offer help, Nodie valued her independence and rarely asked for help. At her most recent home at Dolan Memory Care in St. Louis, she was well-loved for ensuring that the house was in order and that her fellow residents and visitors were taken care of. Her ready smile and hospitality will be dearly remembered and missed by all her family, caregivers and friends.
She is survived by: Her children Karen Barber Seward of Warrensburg, Missouri; Wakefield (Mary) Barber of St. Louis, Missouri and Joseph (Sylvia) Barber of Mission, Texas. Her grandchildren: Jacob (Melissa) Seward of Evergreen, Colorado; Emily Ashley of Richmond, Virginia; Sarah (Troy) Thomas of Raleigh, North Carolina; Houston Barber of Columbia, Missouri; Jonathan Barber of Chicago, Illinois; Josef Barber of Mission, Texas and Josefann Barber of Mission, Texas. Her great-grandchildren: Mary Grace Seward of Evergreen, Colorado and Ava Ashley of Richmond, Virginia.
Her sister, Ann Smith Murphy of Springfield, Kentucky, and many nieces and nephews, most living in the Louisville and Lexington area also survive.
In addition to her husband, Nodie was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Aline Smith Ball and a great-granddaughter Scarlett Greye Seward.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 10:30 until the time of the services at 11:00. Memorials may be made to St. Dominic School.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My mother, Eva, shared a home at Dolan House with your mom. She was a lovely person. My condolences to your family.
Joe & entire family please know our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dear Wake, Mary, Houston, Jonathan Joe, Karen and Barber Family-We are so sorry to hear of Noide’s passing. She gave you all a great life and you all sure loved her. Know you will miss her but she will continue to be in your hearts forever. Our condolences, Tom and Lisa Scholz and Tony Musolino too
Karen, Wake and Joe, I just learned of your mother’s passing. So sorry for your loss. She was sure a fun mother to have around the old neighborhood!
My brothers and I were very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our mother Ruth stayed at her Dolan House in 2018. We all truly enjoyed visiting with Nodie.She was friendly to my mother. We’re so sorry for your loss. With sympathy, Patty Killeen and family
Nodie brought so much life to Lyon Manor (Dolan Memory Care Homes). She truly was one of the favorites and loved by all the staff. We will miss Nodie and all of her family as well. One thing I promise is Nodie will be missed and never forgotten… prayers to the family for the loss of such a strong women.
My condolences to your family on the loss of your mother. What a perfect picture. Her smile is etched into my memory of her.