Barbara Jean Murray was born March 23, 1936 to Arthur Stevener and Nina Kline Stevener in Prairie City, Mo. She was the eldest of two children. She spent her youth growing up on the farm located in the Prairie City area. Barbara graduated from Rich Hill High School. After graduation she moved to Kansas City and began working for Commerce Bank. It was at this time that she was united in marriage to Lester Michael Murray, and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage before his passing.
Their marriage began in Colorado as Mike was stationed in Aurora in the Air Force working on radar equipment. While in Colorado, their two girls were born, Michelle and Robin. They then moved back to the Bates County area as Mike took a job with Kansas City Power and Light. Their last move was to Butler, Mo where they spent the remainder of their life. Barbara was an avid gardener and spent many hours canning her produce. She enjoyed spending time with family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities and sports. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with Mike and friends.
Barbara was a member of the St. Matthew Lutheran church and enjoyed helping with church activities. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Clements, two daughters, Michelle Brownsberger and husband Herb of Butler, Robin Strobach and husband Scott of Lone Jack, five grandchildren, Erica Hough and husband Jeremy, Allison Peerson and husband Tyler, Emily Klindt and husband Nate, Madeline Strobach and husband Pat, Ashley Powell and husband Brent and nine great grandchildren, Caleb, Carly, Lily, Georgia, Elise, Taylor, Deklyn, Alex and Corbin. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
