Barbara Weathers

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Barbara Ann Weathers, 82, of Sikeston, beloved wife of Dr. Grant "Wendell" Weathers Sr., passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2019, surrounded by loving family.

She was born May 22, 1937, in Portageville, Missouri, daughter of the late William and Rita Lusk.

After battling tuberculosis at the age of 17, Barbara went on to graduate as valedictorian from Portageville High School. She always believed in doing one's best at everything in life.

Barbara was an interior design and sales consultant for Rust and Martin in Cape Girardeau, where she first met Wendell when he visited the store. It was a "love at first sight" story, and they were married soon after. Devoted to each other for 37 years, they enjoyed similar pastimes, especially travel, reading and gardening. She also worked alongside of him in his dental practice. For many years they explored the United States and Canada in their RV, dedicating a portion of their time to providing dental care to Native American clinics. Barbara was a kind and gentle woman who loved seeing new sights in the company of Wendell, the love of her life.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her husband, G. Wendell Weathers Sr.; daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Cliff Rhodes of Old Saybrook, Connecticut; daughter-in-law, Gina Hollis of Leawood, Kansas; stepchildren, Sheila Weathers of Advance, Missouri, Theresa Weathers of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dr. Grant Weathers Jr., of Sikeston; grandchildren, Nicole and Lauren Rhodes and Bruce, Mark and Jeff Hollis.

She was preceded in death by her son, Lee Hollis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be Grant Weathers, Cliff Rhodes, Bruce Hollis, Mark Hollis, Harley Bixler and Kenneth Holman.

Memorial donations may be sent to Youth Group of First Baptist Church, 1101 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801.