Barbara J. Martin

Barbara Jo Martin, 85, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 8, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love and joy. Barbara was born in Quincy, IL on November 19, 1940 to Marty Spence and Joe Veile. 
 
Barbara grew up with her eight siblings. She graduated from Camp Point High School in 1958. As an adult she spent multiple years working at Western Electric and went on to work as a cashier in the gaming industry for many years where she met many great people. She became a mother to her five beloved children and went on to have many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her family was her pride and joy. Barbara was fun-loving, outgoing, very caring, and a little bit stubborn. Her personality shone bright and brought joy to the people around her. 
 
In her later years, you could most often find Barbara cheering on her favorite teams, The Kansas City Royals, The Mizzou Tigers, and most of all The Kansas City Chiefs (unless she turned off the TV because she couldn’t bare to see them lose). Barbara was also a huge Elvis Presley fan. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Oak Grove and loved spending time with her friends from church, Peggy and Joan, and going out to lunch or going shopping. She was also involved with the Oak Grove Senior Center and enjoyed activities and outings with the group. Barbara’s favorite activity was going on cruises, traveling the world on the ocean and doing it with the people she loved most, and visiting beautiful Hawaii. She also loved the holidays and had a special love for Christmas and the joy and togetherness surrounding the season. Above all, Barbara loved spending time with her family, creating countless memories filled with love and laughter. 
 
Barbara is survived by her children: Debra Boling (Rod) of North Kansas City, MO, Stacey Thompson (Jim) of Independence, MO, Stephanie Borland of Lone Jack, MO, and Patrick Garrett (Jamie) of Columbia, MO; grandchildren: Koda (Nikki), Lacy (Cale), Aaron, Devon (Mandy), Stephanie, Megan (Jose), Makayla (Gabe), Jordan (TJ), and Jada; great-grandchildren: Jesse, Kimber, Wesson, Reed, Ryker, Rhett, Derrick, Calain, Bentlee, Dahlia Jo, Brantley, and Brooks; sisters: Linda Jennings of Independence, MO, Michelle Mallow of Las Vegas, NV, and Julie Howcroft of Philadelphia, PA.; brothers: Clyde Wilson of Monticello, MO, Bernard Veile of Hamilton, IL, and Bradley Veile (Rhonda) of Fairfield, WA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 
 
She was preceded in death by her mother Marty Spence and step-father William Spence, father Joe Veile and step-mother Ann Veile, brothers Linn Wilson and Jack Wilson, son Rick Beebe, grandson Joel Bertoldie, and son-in-law Trent Borland. 
 
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, November 27th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 400 SE 14th St. Oak Grove, MO. Celebration of life services will follow at 4:00 p.m. Contributions can be made to Mother’s Refuge.  
 
Obituary submitted by the family. 

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri