Barbara Jean Tyler, 80 of Springfield, Mo., passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015. She was born Feb 24, 1935 in White Church, Mo., to Charles and Edna Jones. She graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1953 and attended the University of Missouri before graduating from Drury College with an education degree. She later received a Master's Degree from Drury. Barbara taught school first in Mtn. View and then in Willow Springs for more than two decades. She had a life-long commitment to education and passed it on to her children and grandchildren. Barbara married Frank David Hicks on Nov. 17, 1956 in Pomona, Mo. To that union were born two sons, David in 1957 and Dane in 1963. Frank preceded her in death in 1978 A lifelong country music fan, Barbara lived in Branson several years and worked at several area theaters. On April 3, 2004, she married Nelson Tyler in Springfield. They enjoyed their retirement years traveling and attending St. Louis Cardinal Baseball games and Missouri State Basketball games. Barbara was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her weekly games with her club. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who blessed the lives of everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband, Nelson of the home; two sons, David and wife Roberta of Bonner Springs, Kan., and Dane and wife Barb of Greeley, Kan.; two step daughters, Jennifer Bayliff and husband Randy of Branson, and Allison Buehler and special friend Bill Buehler, both of Springfield; two grandchildren; five step grandchildren, all of whom were the lights of her life. Funeral services are set for 11:30 a.m. Wed., April 15, 2015, at Campbell United Methodist Church in Springfield with burial in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the church.