Obituary

Our beloved mother entered into the arms of our Lord on March 20, 2012 after complications from heart disease and stroke. Barbara was born on February 22, 1934 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She passed away in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the age of 78. She is preceded in death by her father, Carl Edward Schmitz, and mother, Madeline Elizabeth (Vergan) Schmitz. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hardin and son-in-law Stacey Hardin; son, John Hodgson and daughter-in-law Margaret Hodgson; brother, Carl Schmitz, Jr.; and step grandchildren, Tyler and Kylie Hardin. Barbara had many noteworthy accomplishments. She was one of the first women managers for Dillard’s Department store where she worked in Norman, Oklahoma until she retired. Additionally, Barbara was a graduate of Stephens College, and was very proud to be awarded “Sustainer of the Year” by the Junior League. After Barbara moved to be closer to her daughter in Broken Arrow, she worked as a volunteer at the Oklahoma Aquarium where her favorite exhibit has been memorialized in her name. Barbara was also active in the Jenks senior center. Most of all, Barbara will be best remembered as a wonderful, selfless and loving mother to her children and family. Barbara enjoyed cooking, adored her dogs, with her biggest passion being that of travel. Barbara loved to travel to many and diverse destinations around the world, the last being to Tahiti where she enjoyed a dream vacation with her daughter, son and their spouses. Ephesians 1:6 (TLB)”Now all praise to God for His wonderful kindness to us and His favor that He has poured out upon us, because we belong to His dearly loved Son”. This is the verse that Barbara wrote as a dedication in her son’s first bible. Barbara held a strong fast faith in God and Christ Jesus, and her children will always remember and cherish attending church together as a family. Her funeral will held graveside at Norman I.O.O.F. Cemetery on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Barbara will be interred next to her mother, Madeline Schmitz. A eulogy will be given by her son-in-law, Stacey Hardin, and a memorial remembrance given by her son, John Hodgson. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Animal Rescue Foundation ( A.R.F.), P.O. Box 471483, Tulsa, OK 471483. (www.arftulsa.org) Thank-you. Condolences may be sent through the guestbook on this page.