Barbara Ellen Erwin

Barbara Ellen Erwin of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Barbara was born on Dec. 31, 1941, in Kingman, Ariz., to Jesse and LuCinda (Robinson) Williams. She was raised on a farm near Keota, Okla.

While visiting an aunt in Nevada, Mo., she met Hearl Scism, and they were married on July 24, 1959. To this union three daughters were born: Tearl, Shearl and Vicki. Barbara and Hearl later divorced but remained lifelong friends. Barbara married Bob R. Erwin on June 10, 1983, in Nevada, Mo., and they made a home together with Bob’s daughter Betty. Much to the benefit of their children and grandchildren Barbara, Bob and Hearl were there to support all their children and grandchildren whether it was a graduation, wedding, holiday, ballgame, or birth of a new grandbaby they were there in unison everyone included equally loved.

Barbara was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. She held strong in her faith, was a loyal friend and dedicated employee. She retired in 2005 from Missouri Public Service after 25 years of service. Barb enjoyed family vacations, scrapbooking, KC Chiefs football and reading but she was at her best when being Gigi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob preceded Barbara in death eight weeks ago on Jan. 26, 2022. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Tearl Edwards (Jim), Shearl Scism, Vicki Ast (Steve) and Betty Malcom (Larry) all of Nevada, Mo.; six grandchildren Ashley Edwards, Savanah Morris (Timothy), Hillary Rose (Zechariah), Mallorie Pierson (Elijah), Trey Ast and Nathan Ast; great-grandchildren, Bryan Mendez, Isabell Mendez, Bailey Mae Rose, Madelyn Morris, Elisha Pierson, Hadleigh Morris and Emmett Pierson arriving in May; brothers, Larry Williams (Kyla) of Bartlesville, Okla., and Kyle Wheatley (Shirley) of Blackfoot, Idaho; sister, Cindy Nelson of Fredonia, Ariz.; special niece, Christi Heald of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Williams; mother and stepfather, LuCinda and Calvin Wheatley; brothers, Leo, Ben and Tom Wheatley; nephews, Duane Williams and Keith Wheatley; and niece, Rachel Parasa.

Following cremation, joint graveside services and interment for Bob and Barbara Erwin will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan., with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Military Honors for Bob will follow. Friends may call now and until the hour of services at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.