Barbara Katharine Stilwell

Barbara Katharine Stilwell, daughter of the late Louis E and Jenny L. (Hunt) Axtman, was born July 28, 1928 in Newton, Massachusetts. She grew up in a small suburb of Boston known as Saxonville and was the only girl with three brothers. She graduated from Framingham North High School and then went to Wilford Beauty Academy. On May 19, 1948, Barbara married the love of her life, Ronald O. Stilwell and they were blessed with five children: Donna, Dianne, Debbie, Ron and Darlene. She was so committed to her husband and dedicated to her marriage that she wore her wedding ring her entire lifetime and never took it off since the day it was put on. Barbara lived in Sherman, Texas for a few short years and then moved to Milford, Massachusetts until she retired in O’Fallon, Missouri. After raising her children, she worked at Corning Medical and Diagnostics where she was the quality control technician. She retired from Corning after working for over 15 years. Barbara would do anything for her children and continued to care for them in so many ways throughout their lifetime. She was always there to provide comfort and support. No matter what the situation, she contributed in helpful ways like being a full time care giver for her grandchildren: Daniel and Megan, Chantal, Garrett and Hayli. She was an incredible storyteller and could talk for hours. She loved to play Farkle, UNO and Kings in the Corner with her family. She made laughter her daily exercise and lived a long life of happy times. She loved to cook and never found a recipe she didn’t like. She was always baking and decorating birthday cakes for everyone in the family. For many years, she was on a candlepin bowling league with her friends and co-workers. She loved all types of arts and crafts, was a huge animal lover and known for her sarcasm and making others laugh. She was a member of Eastern Star, 4H and a campfire girl leader. She also attended Center Point Community Church. Barbara loved watching movies on the Hallmark channel and the Lifetime Movie Network. She spent time gardening and traveling whenever possible. Her life purpose was to care for her family and she never stopped. She was dedicated to raising her children and helping with their children. She taught them how to be honest, dependable, respectful and grateful for all the things that life has to offer. Let it be known, Barbara K. Stilwell, was a generous and giving woman that was extremely strong and had such a love for life that she didn’t want to go and leave her family behind. She was the powerful foundation that supported and inspired her children and will be loved and missed by everyone for all eternity. Barbara passed away at 1:35 pm, Monday, November 8, 2010 in her home at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 11 days. She will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory four children: Donna S. Ratliff and her husband Bill of Dixon, MO, Debbie L. Manning of Burleson, TX, Ron O. Stilwell, Jr. and his wife Virginia of Burleson, TX, and Darlene B. Willman and her husband Greg of St. Peters, MO; two brothers: Louis Axtman, Jr. and Albert Axtman; twelve grandchildren: Terri Varnell, Michelle Miley, Renee Dawson, Daniel and Megan Manning, Chantal Stilwell, Lynda Niemeyer, Bill, Rob and Heather Ratliff, Garrett and Hayli Willman; thirteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Ronald O. Stilwell; one daughter: Dianne E. Gillen and one brother: Richard Axtman.

Barbara Katharine Stilwell

July 28, 1928 - November 8, 2010