Barbara Z. Gomez, 88, of Springfield, MO died peacefully on Sunday January 15, 2017 at Mercy Hospital with family present.

She was born May 8, 1928 to Nellie and Carl Zoellner in Highlands, NC. After attending Mars Hills College, NC for two years, she transferred to Duke University where she completed her training in medical technology. She subsequently met and later married Alphonse C. Gomez upon his graduation from Duke University School of Medicine and entry into the U.S. Army as a military surgeon. They journeyed together under the auspices of the U.S. government for over 45 years, enlarging the family with five children and numerous pets along the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and beloved husband, Al, and is survived by her five children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, one sister, three sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear, life-long "hometown" friends.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 E. Bennett, with the Rev. Fergus Monaghan officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Private family interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.