Barbara Jane (Bennett) Peck, 94, passed away in Springfield, Missouri, on Sunday, January 8, 2023. She was born August 29, 1928, in Clinton, Missouri.

Barbara grew up in Clinton. She graduated from high school in Clinton and attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Missouri. On June 10, 1948, she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Peck. They were married almost 67 years before Bill passed away in 2015.

In 1954, Barbara and Bill moved to Springfield, Missouri. Throughout her life in Springfield, Barbara was a devoted mother and community volunteer. She was active in the PTA and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Camp Fire Girls group leader. She was also involved in Sorrell, her art group, and she delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years. For many years she was the "social director" at Professional Answering Service, a family business.

Barbara and Bill were avid RVers, traveling thousands of miles each year to visit every corner of America. Along the way she became steadfast friends with many of those she met. She never met a stranger and everyone she met she considered a friend. Her enjoyment of travel extended beyond the RV with an Alaska cruise topping her list. She and Bill also enjoyed several international trips, including a trip to England to research her family roots.

A life-long Methodist, Barbara was a long-time member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and later became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Barbara's family was her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her mother Mary Jane Bennett, and her brother Richard Bennett. She is survived by her son, Tom of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Leslie; son David and his wife Julie; and Becky Morgan, a "bonus" daughter, all of Springfield, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mary Grace and Tyler Phillips; Anna and Chad Walters; and Joseph and Elise Peck; and seven great-grandchildren, all of Springfield, Missouri.

Barbara relied on a team of devoted caregivers during the last several years of her life. Their love and compassion allowed her to continue to live with dignity and grace.  Her family extends a special thank you to Pat, Traci, Minnie, Anna, Emily, and Jeanine. Her many friends at the Fremont were a blessing to her as well.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 12 from 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.  at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Chad Walters officiating. Barbara will be buried next to Bill in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri.

To honor Barbara's life of volunteer service, the family suggests donations to Meals on Wheels.