Barbadeen J. Laughlin

Barbadeen Jo Smith Laughlin, 78, was born Feb. 1, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, and went home to see her Savior Jesus on Feb. 18, 2015. She was married to Ralph Laughlin since 1979 and died peacefully on their farm in Ava, Mo.
Her parents were the late Carl E. and Hannah Smith of Brecksville, Ohio. She was the third of six children: Larc, Darvin, Margene, Ada and Ramona, all of whom are still living.
Barbadeen taught first grade in Bolivar, Mo., for many years and was also an accomplished seamstress, but will mostly be remembered for her strong faith and cheerful spirit as she battled against Alzheimer’s for over a decade and never lost the smile on her face.
She passed on her love for Jesus to all of her children: Stephanie (Barcelona, Spain), Anthony (K.C. Mo.) Linda (Frederick, Md.) and Leslie (Marshfield, Mo.); and grandchildren: Crystina, Alex, Jennifer, Michelle, Andrew, William, Tyler, Charlie and Mollie; and one great-granddaughter, Elisa.
She made several mission trips, among them being one to Papua New Guinea and another to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She was a faithful church member all of her life.
Barbadeen chose to donate her body for Alzheimer’s research. A private celebration of her life will be held on Feb. 21 for family and close friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 1630 W. Elfindale, Springfield MO 65807.