Barbara Ann Kindsfather

During the Dust Bowl era, Barbara Ann Smith Kindsfather, was born into this world on January 29, 1937, in Skedee Oklahoma. She was referred to as “Bobbie” by her friends and family. During and after the WWII years, she spent some time with her grandparents and attended school in Skedee, Pawnee, graduating from Enid High Class of 1955. Afterwards attending Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma. Her first job out of school was a bookkeeper for McClellan Auto Parts in Enid.

With money she earned, Barbara bought her first car, an ex-Highway Patrol Pursuit Car. She marveled at its power and speed, whipping the boys drag racing on Friday nights. While out cruising one rainy January afternoon with her best girlfriend in 1958, they both met their future spouses, Airmen from nearby Vance Air Force Base. Gene Kindsfather, a handsome young Airman, fell head over heels for Barbara’s brilliant blue eyes, warm big smile, and polite southern hospitality. Barbara and Gene were married May 16, 1958. The newlyweds welcomed their first daughter Susan in March 1959, followed by Anna in September 1961. The family lived in Enid until 1969 whereupon they returned to Gene’s hometown of Billings, Montana.

Barbara was well known as a math whizz, wonderful homemaker, wife and mother. She was very active in the girl’s lives, from being a homeroom mother, babysitter of the local school kids, Bluebird leader, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher at Emmanuel Baptist church, to being a 50+ years Mary Kay consultant. Barbara and a friend started the first “Welcome Wagon” organization in Enid, welcoming newcomers to town. This was Barbara, she was a giver.

While living in Billings Barbara continued her involvement with the girls and church activities. She loved being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker but did some part-time work for The Billings Musician Union and Billings Cleaning Service. She also was an election official during election time.

Gene and Barbara retired to their log home in Montana where they spent summers and fall and wintered in Oklahoma and Texas before permanently making their home in Hurst, Texas 2004. Being an excellent cook and baker, she just loved spoiling everyone that visited with a delicious meal or treat. She enjoyed knitting and playing Bunco with friends. Barbara loved to travel, and that she did, far and wide, to include most of Europe. She was a member of Gateway Church where she was involved in the Greeter Ministry for many years.

Gene and Barbara both had large families and that meant everything to her. She so loved spending time with them. Barbara was such a sweetheart and kind soul. She will be missed by all. Barbara lived a long, happy and very blessed life. She was at home when her Lord and Savior beckoned her on May 8, 2025. Her passing was just 7 days short of their 67th wedding anniversary.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Frank Dobson, and grandparents. She is survived by her husband, Gene, Hurst, Texas, daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Brad Duerst, Southlake, Texas, Anna and Don Crombie, Hurst, Texas, grandson, Ian Crombie, Springfield, Missouri, granddaughter Amber Crombie, NRH, Texas, as well as many other family members.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the well-wishers and her amazing, caregiving Vitas hospice team including Emmanuel, Kimberley, Diana and David, as well as their wonderful aide Debbie and Encore Memory Care Day Center. We couldn’t have walked this trial without them.

In lieu of flowers, the family's desired charity is Union Gospel Mission, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Graveside service Friday, May 16, 2025

Service time is promptly at 1:00 with a timely pre-line up at 12:30 p.m. and instructions given once you enter the cemetery.

DFW National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211.

Come and go reception following at the family home. 3136 Woodridge Dr. Hurst TX