Barbara Jane (Matthews) Sander, 88, of rural Alma, MO, died Sunday, April 27, 2025, at The Living Center in Marshall, MO.
Barbara was born on February 4, 1937, at the family farm south of Alma. She was the third of four children born to John and Laura (Bargfrede) Matthews. Her sponsors were Agnes Bargfrede and Amanda Matthews. She attended eight grades at St. Peter’s Lutheran School in the Flora neighborhood and was confirmed on May 28, 1950, by Rev. W.F.C. Bahr. Barbara graduated from Alma High School in 1954 where she loved singing in the choral groups, playing clarinet in the school band, and typing. After high school Barbara lived in Kansas City for four years where she worked as a secretary for the Kansas City Life Insurance Company. On September 28, 1958, she married Edward Donald Sander at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma with Pastor A.F.C. Pfotenhauer officiating.
Barbara was a homemaker and actively worked with her husband on their farm. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as a pipe organist for over 35 years, accompanied the choir, and coordinated music. In earlier years she was a member of Trinity’s Guild, taught Sunday school, and served on the Altar Guild. One of Barbara’s nieces fittingly described her as a “faithful force of talent” and another niece as “a remarkable woman of amazing talent with love of God and family never ending”. She was a creative seamstress and enjoyed oil painting, creating delicious dishes in her kitchen, and gardening. She was a past member of the Green Thumb Flower and Garden Club and a long-time member of the YMCA.
Barbara is survived by her children Melinda (Perry) Means of Shawnee, KS, and Murray (Dana) Sander of Alma. Also, grandchildren Macy (Christopher) Ogle of Berryton, KS, as well as Bryan (Ashton) Sander and Molly (Darin) Rehkop all of Alma, and many nieces and nephews. Barbara also took great pride in her six great grandchildren. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Edward, brothers Orville and Mark Matthews, and sister Mariam Martens.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma, with Pastor Bernard Ross officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service and the burial will be in the church cemetery with a luncheon following. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School or the Trinity Organ Fund in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.