Barbara Joyce Clark (Smith)

Barbara Clark, 58, of Excelsior Springs, MO, formerly of Lebanon, MO passed away peacefully at home June 15, 2020 surrounded by loved ones after a long, courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Hough Chapel Cemetery in Laclede County under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Barbie was raised in Sugar Creek, MO where she was active in Girl Scouts and dance. She graduated from Van Horn High School where she used her peppy personality as a cheerleader. She furthered her education at DeVry University where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Programming. She retired from the USDA as a Freedom of Information Specialist. Barbie spent her life doing the things she loved, like captaining the trap shooting team and traveling with her girlfriends to the lake. She loved playing craps with her dad and could oftentimes be found perched in front of a slot machine at the casino or on the back of a motorcycle. You wouldn’t know it by looking at her (long curly blonde hair, big bright smile framed by red lips with forever freshly manicured nails), but she enjoyed everything about the outdoors. She loved fishing and took up deer and turkey hunting after meeting her beloved husband, Geoff. Over time, with his expert teaching, she became an accomplished hunter by perfecting the art of, “the sneak.” Barbie was passionate about her family. So much so, that she took it upon herself to organize the family reunions. She and Geoff hosted them at their home for the past 10 years. She truly was the glue. She was a firecracker with a giant caring heart. Nice to everyone she met, but could whoop a man if crossed. She loved playing craps with her dad and could oftentimes be found perched in front of a slot machine, with her sister Nancy, at the casino. Or on the back of a motorcycle. She was fiercely loved and will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough to have known her. Barbara is survived by her husband of 21 years, Geoffrey L. Clark; mother, Shirley Weaver; brothers, Michael Smith (late wife, Monica), Steve Smith (wife, Dizzy); sister, Nancy McQuillan (husband, Joe); many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, John F. Smith. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)