Barbara Lucille Christman Alumbaugh, 91, of Webb City, passed away on Sunday morning after an enduring battle with heart issues, beating cancer and nearly outlasting COVID-19.

Barbara was the middle child born to James D. Christman and Josephine Helm Christman on May 1, 1930, in Denver, Colo. She spent most of her childhood and was a lifelong resident of the extended Webb City, area and graduated as a Webb City Cardinal. (She passed down the mascot from her letter sweater to me. Some people made fun of the wimpy bird from the ’40s, but I wore it on my letter jacket with pride – Ron.)

She was married to Alfred P. Alumbaugh on July 29, 1949. They were married at the preacher’s house and got quite a ways down the road before realizing Alfred had forgotten to pay the preacher. (Grandma loved to tell this part of the story where they turned the car around to pay the preacher. – Lauren.) One son was born into their union in April, 1961. Soon after, she was able to buy a piano and began taking lessons.

Barbara was a loving mother/mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her joy. Looking through recent photos we see her zest for life and “making the best of it.” She was an avid reader, always looking for a good book to dive into.

She was the early faith leader of the family and insisted on respect for the Church, The Bible, and our daily walk.  She told of an experience with the Lord when she was young and how she gave her heart to the Lord.

Her life experiences were many and varied.  She worked as a telephone operator in the Webb City/Joplin area for many years. She also worked as a checker at Grampa’s Discount. Her final occupation was telecommunications and store information in Montgomery Ward at the North Park Mall.

 After Alfred’s passing in 1993, she maintained a home in Webb City welcoming friends, family,  a ladies card club and developing deep, fond relationships with her grandkids while they attended Missouri Southern State University. When asked to write down her life story she only focused on positive events and the good times. Such is this proud and dedicated generation. Barbara was extremely friendly and always intriguing in conversation.

She is preceded in death by husband Alfred; parents, J.D. and Jo Christman; and brother, Jim Christman.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Joy Deich of East Wenatchee, Wash.; nieces and nephews; one son Ron Alumbaugh and his wife Terri, El Dorado Springs; three grandchildren, Lauren Wilkins and husband John Wilkins, Ozark, Logan Alumbaugh and wife Kiley and great granddaughter Hattie, Mt. Vernon, and Taylor Williams and husband Zach and great-granddaughter Hazel, and expecting great-grandson Reece in July, Joplin. 

Barbara was a kind, sweet person. My mom and I just talked and Mom said, “She was such a good big sister all of these years. She really cared about me.” She really did. They had a sisterly love and truly cherished each other. – niece Jacki Fischer

I got a lot closer to Grams during college. I would bring in Chinese food and we would play poker with a big ziplock bag of quarters. – Logan

I care about you and your Mom. Very kind and caring lady to Mike and I as we grew up on our lane in Webb City. – Brad Harding

My Grandma… Sassy, sophisticated, and a straight-shooter. She was my oldest best friend, my golden edition BFF. She made me feel like the most beautiful, smart and talented person. She loved me and my family in the most pure and unconditional way. We shared many meals together. She always set the table and refused to let me wash a single dish. When she said grace, she would always say, “And thank you for Jesus.” She prayed with the innocence of a child. I often called her cell phone as I drove places. She would ask me what John was making for dinner and after I described it she’d say, “He’s gonna spoil you yet.” She told me many times about how my daddy was “so much fun to raise.” She was a very proud mama and grandma, proudly bragging on the accomplishments of her family members. She lived simply, not accumulating many possessions, but she displayed my sister’s pottery and artwork in her home. She kept a bookmark I had given her about 15 years ago that said “The best moms get promoted to Grandma.” Grams loved to read and did so at an impressive pace. She subscribed to a mail-in book club for a while and would finish reading several books in a month. But if you asked her which one was her favorite, she’d tell you “the Bible.” Grandma had made peace with her Lord and with the idea of leaving this earth. I am so blessed I got to know her, as an adult. – Lauren

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.