Barbara J. (Mills) Erwin, the daughter of Jess Harvey and Preshie Irene (Smith) Mills, was born February 19, 1947, in Omak, Washington. She attended Tarkio, Missouri, schools and later earned her GED.
On June 11, 1964, she was united in marriage to Robert B. Erwin at the Tarkio Presbyterian Church. They made their home in Rock Port, Missouri, and became the parents of two sons, Donald and Jon. In 1972, they moved to the Erwin family farm west of Fairfax, Missouri, where they lived to the present time.
Barb was a bookkeeper for MFA Oil in Fairfax, and a cook at Youth Services International and Eaton Corporation, retiring in 2008. But most of all she was a devoted wife, mom and grandma. She was full of joy; always singing, dancing and laughing. She loved being outside, mowing, walking, gardening. She also enjoyed baking, especially Christmas cookies, and crocheting, reading and shopping with Diane. Barbara passed away Friday, July 26, 2019, at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri, at the age of 72.
Besides her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by nephew, David Joesting, and brother, Jim Mills. Survivors include: husband, Robert Erwin, Fairfax; sons, Donald (Jamie) Erwin, Kearney, Missouri, and Jon (Sheila) Erwin, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren, Bethany (fiancé, Chad Balke) Erwin, Jace Erwin and Thomas Erwin; brother, Harvey (Kyra) Mills, Tarkio; sister, Darlene (Kenny) Joesting, Rock Port; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, conducted by Rev. Elaine Loggi. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to English Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.