Barbara Jane Oxendale, 84, of Milan, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Milan Health Care Center.
Barbara was born April 5, 1941 at her maternal grandparent’s farm near Odebolt, Iowa to Roland and Dorothy (Godbersen) Anderson. On July 25, 1959 she married Douglas Oxendale at the Little Brown Church where her parents were married in Nashua, Iowa. Doug preceded her in death in 1998. She was also preceded by: Her three children Debbie Hoerrmann, Mark Oxendale, and Kurt Oxendale; a brother, Dennis Anderson; sister-in-laws, Kay Anderson and Sherry Anderson; brother-in-law, Bob Gore and a good friend, Coy Jackson.
Barb is survived by: Her grandchildren, Angie (Jared) Chapman, Kristen Hoerrmann, Kelli Jacobs (Gingo Smith), Jordan (Ashley) Hoerrmann, John Oxendale, David Oxendale, Matt (Sarah) Oxendale, Mariah Oxendale, Drake Oxendale, and Colton Oxendale; Great grandchildren, Savanna (Weston) Linhart, Chase Jacobs, Greyson Smith, Kylee Smith, Gavin Hoerrmann, Corey Chapman, Rayden Chapman, Daniel Jacobs, Zane Chapman, Ally Jacobs, Addelyn Jacobs, Alex Solares, Kase Hoerrmann, Cohen Hoerrmann, and Finn Oxendale; Siblings, Nancy (Charles) Gonnerman, Donald (Maria) Anderson, Curtis Anderson, Keith Anderson (Sheila Vogler), and Cynthia Gore; and several nieces and nephews.
Barb graduated High school from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1959 and worked at the popcorn factory, before moving to Milan in the Mid-70’s. In Milan, she owned and operated Sullivan County Abstract, working with her kids Mark and Debbie for many years before selling it, and continued to work at Sullivan County Title until retirement.
Barb was active in the community and a member of the Rotary Club, Red Hats, Chamber of Commerce, and Peace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, making her grandkids many clothes, and crocheting. She loved to go camping and bowling.
A funeral service for Barb will be held 2:30 PM, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Milan. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Peace Lutheran Church.