Barbara Jean Warren passed away on November 11, 2024 at the age of 91 in Springfield, MO. Barbara maintained her independence until just days before her passing, decorating her home for the season, and driving herself to grocery pickups and sorority events. Though her step had slowed, her spirit was unwavering. She watched First and Calvary services online, where she was a long time member and elder. She will be remembered as a friend and mother who enjoyed life to its fullest and lived every minute with love and laughter.

She earned her degree in Elementary Education and went on to become a teacher in the Springfield Public Schools, teaching various grades at Phelps and Hickory Hills. Her stories from the classroom, like the unforgettable day when polio vaccinations became available, with children fainting from heat and anticipation, capture both the challenges and joys of her teaching career. She spoke of her interest in meteorology and archaeology and wished women in those days had better opportunity to pursue such interests.

With children, she became active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, and as a Cub Scouts den mother. Those were the days of free-range children. So many times she would say "Stay away from the hippies at the river" as we'd leave the house for the day. She took in stride her children exploring the nearby woods and creek, catching spiders and crawdads, spending all day away on horseback, and all four children crashing the same car over the years. She enjoyed painting and sewing, taking craft classes when her children were young. She later learned to quilt and made many custom quilts and primitive style fabric dolls she sold in a Galloway craft store.

Barbara was deeply committed to Sigma Kappa sorority. Her involvement began at (S)MSU as a member of the Delta Upsilon chapter and went back decades. Remembered for hosting tennis court dances and rush parties, she was a guiding presence on the Sigma Kappa Corporation Board in Springfield for over 12 years and the local alum group for more than 30 years. Her efforts in support of the chapter were instrumental in renovations and additions to the chapter house and the excellent financial health the chapter and corporation board enjoy today. Through her tireless efforts and even personal loans, she ensured the chapter's financial stability and enduring strength. Ultimately, The Barbara Denham Warren Grant, supporting sisters who are in financial crisis, was created in gratitude for her many years of loyal service.
Barbara's adventurous spirit began in her childhood with frequent train trips to St Louis with her parents, and ultimately to locations across the globe—from the Alps by train to the pyramids of Egypt by camel and through the canals of Venice by gondola. She traveled through Yugoslavia under the suspicious eyes of armed soldiers, explored Petra on horseback, and toured the Greek Isles by hovercraft. Of all her travels, Portugal held a special place in her heart.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Ildereen Denham, her former spouse, Windsor Warren, and most painfully in the last year, by her sons Weber and Wade Warren. Her memory goes on through her son Walter Warren, and daughter-in-law Susie Warren of Springfield; her daughter Jeanne Stanchik (Jake) of Lenexa, KS; her grandchildren Chelsea, Summer (Jeremy), Hannah (Mike), Caroline (Preston), Allison (Brady), Michael, and Will (Kim); eleven great-grandchildren; and nieces, Cynthia Smith Steverson and Rhonda Smith. A visitation service will be held at Gorman-Scharpf funeral home on Thursday, November 21 from 5-7pm, and funeral services will be at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 22 at 11am. A private interment will follow at EastLawn cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Barbara Denham Warren Grant / scholarship fund, to honor Barbara's legacy of love and dedication to the girls of Sigma Kappa.

https://give.sigmakappa.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/CDCDJVR7#c

Checks can be mailed to: Barbara Denham Warren Grant Sigma Kappa Foundation 695 Pro-Med Lane, Suite 300 Carmel, IN 46032 Please write "Barbara Denham Warren Grant" in the memo on the check.