Barbara Louise Shelton Curp Stephens
October 22, 1936 ~ March 30, 2026
Barbara Stephens, age 89 of Polo, Missouri passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, surrounded by her family as they sang “In the Garden.” After a long and quiet journey with Alzheimer’s and a stroke, she is now whole and at peace in the presence of the Lord.
Barbara was born in Pomona, California on October 22, 1936, to James T. and Frieda (Hemry) Shelton and was the oldest of five siblings. As a farm girl (and later a farm wife), Barbara learned first-hand the value of diligence and determination, resilience and resourcefulness, and grit combined with gratitude. She embodied these character traits every day of her life and instilled them in her children and grandchildren.
In 1954, she graduated as the salutatorian of her senior class at Polo High School. Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Lee Curp on December 24, 1954 and together they raised a family of six children. He preceded her in death on September 25, 1988. God never leaves nor forsakes us. He graciously provided a faithful servant to walk with her into and through the golden years through Warren Stephens. Barbara and Warren were married on June 30, 1995. Together they spent nearly three decades proclaiming the love of Jesus in churches they served, in their community, and to family and friends. He preceded her in death on August 26, 2023.
Barbara was an avid gardener and the fruit (and vegetables) of her labor provided countless meals to family and friends. Her waffles and homemade syrup were the perfect breakfast for family deer hunters, and her dinner rolls rivaled Lamberts! She loved Jesus and spent her life serving others with kindness and compassion.
Survivors include her children: Karen (Curt) Shonk, Breckenridge, MO, Mark (Teri) Curp, Lee’s Summit, MO, Sheryl (Brian) Franke, Lee’s Summit, MO, Darla (Mark) Moberly, Liberty, MO, Brian (Natalie) Curp, Kansas City, MO, Daughter-in love: Rebecca Goncalves, Ludlow MA, Bonus-Daughter Valerie (Doyle) Light, Mineral Wells, TX, Bonus-Son Wayne (Kelley) Stephens, Weatherford, TX, 16 grandchildren, 4 bonus grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way, and 8 bonus great-grandchildren. Siblings: Shirley (Houston) Rushing, Great Falls, MT, (Chuck) Sams, Cincinnati, OH, Sharon (Duane) Tindall, Lawson, MO, and (Barbara) Shelton, San Antonio, TX. She was also proceeded in death by her parents, son Brad Curp, sister Betty Sams, brother Jim Shelton and granddaughter Kelsey Shonk.
Note from Barbara’s kids: We deeply thank all those who came alongside us the past couple of years to help provide care and companionship to mom, including Lynette Goll, John & Mary Duncan, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Duane and Connie, the Lawson Manor’s kindhearted staff, & Michelle Gibson (our Lawson Manor sister from another mother), Liberty Hospital seventh floor (penthouse…IYKYK) and second floor staff, and Ascend Hospice. What a blessing you were to mom and to us.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to SBC International Mission Board (IMB). Checks can be mailed to Barbara Stephens Family in care of Stith Family Funeral Home, 301 E. Elm Street, Polo, MO 64671.
A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Polo First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call from 11 AM to 5 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
