Barbara Ann Burdette

Barbara Ann Burdette, 75, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, family devotion, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
She was born on June 1, 1950, in Nevada, Mo., to Charles and Ethel Hickman. She graduated from high school in Schell City. On June 7, 1968, she married Freddie Helsley, and from this union she was blessed with a daughter. Later in life, Barbara married Gary Richard Burdette on Dec. 22, 1989, and gained a stepson whom she welcomed as her own.
Throughout her life, she held various jobs and was known for her strong work ethic. Among her many roles, she worked in bookkeeping at Republic Ford, where her reliability and dedication were well respected. She was never afraid of hard work and spent many hours hauling hay and tending to the responsibilities of daily life.
She enjoyed fishing and hunting, loved vehicles of all kinds, and was an avid reader. One of her greatest joys was watching her granddaughters compete in rodeo, a pastime she proudly supported and deeply cherished.
She is survived by her husband Gary; daughter Trish (Eric) Ghan; stepson Barry (Laura) Burdette; four grandchildren; sisters Patti (Kelly) Russell and Kathy (Doug) Reynolds; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ethel Hickman, and first husband Freddie Edward Helsley.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Dishman Cemetery in Strafford.