Barbara Merle Curtis-Hansford, age 96, was born December 2, 1924, to Arvin Buck and Abba (Miller) Curtis in Rockport, KY. She left for Glory September 9, 2021, at Willow Care Nursing Home, Willow Springs, MO.
Barbara was preceded in her journey by her beloved husband, Richard Lawrence Hansford, mother, Abba Merle Curtis; father, Arvin Curtis; older sister, Brent Timperman; older brother, Lee Curtis; younger sister, Gay Spicer, and their spouses. And an honorable mention to her faithful trusted friend, Janet Holland of many, many years.
She leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, daughter, and grandson.
Barbara served in the Coast Guard during WWII as a radio operator. She served men’s breakfast at her church in Akron, OH, and hosted many get together dinners at her home for her husband’s U of Akron friends. Barbara was as much at home digging in her gardens as she was on the third-floor roof of their home, doing her ceramics or crocheting.
Barbara’s life is a testimony of encouragement, giving strength and hope. She gave her life to the Lord in September 2016. Like her mother before her she has always taught me when to stand and when to step aside, when to speak and when to be silent, when fear embraced me, she taught me courage to go on. Barbara was more than just a teacher she was the living example to everyone she touched.
Barbara left nothing unsaid or nothing undone before her flight. She left her greatest gift behind a heart of flesh which offered love and service to any/everyone she encountered.
I refuse to mourn. Rather I chose to rejoice for you my cherished one for as long as I have breath, I will dance through the memories we made until I join you once again in the morning.
