Barbara Jean Diggins, 89, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Moore-Few Care Center, Nevada, MO. Barbara was born on October 26, 1936, in Kansas City, MO to Harold Eugene and Frances Ella (Warner) Cadman. She married Forest Fleener in 1954, then was later married to Ivan Diggins on Feb. 14, 1980. Ivan preceded her in death in 2015.
Barbara came to El Dorado Springs at age 14 and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School. She was a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in Nevada for many years, was a seamstress at Nelly Don, and worked her way through the dietary department of Nevada City Hospital, becoming Head Dietician and serving in that capacity until her retirement. Barbara and Ivan ran a thriving convenience store in Moundville for a number of years. In 1997-98, she became Activities Director at the Neighbors Adult Daycare before retiring for good in 2011.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathi Adams, Nevada, MO; daughter-in-law, Martha Fleener, Bronaugh, MO; step-children, Steve Diggins, Nevada, MO, Gary Diggins, Moundville, MO, Rodney Diggins (Wanda), Moundville, MO, and David Diggins (Laura), Moundville, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Diggins; sons, Randy Fleener and Larry Fleener; grandson, Justin Adams; a son-in-law, Larry Adams; and a brother, Gene Cadman.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, MO with Pastor Terry Mosher officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family are suggested and can be made in care of Ferry Funeral Home.
#MidAmericaLive
