Irene Barber

Irene C. Schuessler Barber, 85, formerly of Brazeau, Missouri, and Jackson, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

One of four children, Irene was born July 3, 1937, in Frohna, Missouri, to Roland and Clara Schuessler Schuessler. Irene was raised in Frohna and attended the former Altenburg (Missouri) High School. She later earned her cosmetology license.

Irene married Benton Barber on Aug. 20, 1960, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna. For many years, Irene owned and operated a beauty shop in their home on the Barber family farm in Brazeau. Irene loved farm life and was active in every aspect of the business. They were faithful, active members of the Presbyterian Church in Brazeau.

Irene and Benton moved to Jackson in 1980, and subsequently became members of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Irene continued to work part time as a stylist at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

They had been married 54 years when Benton passed away Nov. 28, 2014. After Benton's passing, Irene moved to Perryville, Missouri, and became a member of Faith Presbyterian Church.

The family's fondest memories of Irene are the Christian example she set, her love and care for all of them, her spunkiness and hugs that were "out of this world" special.

To cherish her memory, Irene leaves three sons, Lenn (Rhonda) Barber and Scott (Marla) Barber of Perryville and Jason (Michelle) Barber of Jackson; six grandchildren, Annie (Jay) Bauwens, Jenna (Jesse) Unverferth, Becky (Jordan) Yamnitz, Kendall Barber, Josh (MacKenzie) Barber and Katie (Josiah) Stowe; and five great-grandchildren, Aiden and Quaid Unverferth, Watson Yamnitz and Levi and Gideon Stowe.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Benton Barber; their daughter, Renee Barber; and three siblings, Thelma (Herb) Steffens, Ralph (Flora) Schuessler and Lloyd (Rosetta) Schuessler.

Visitation will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Presbyterian Church in Brazeau.

The Rev. Chris Seah will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, where Irene will be laid to rest next to Benton.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alzheimer's Association or Presbyterian Church in Brazeau or Perryville.

Arrangements were by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by clicking on the "Tribute Wall" tab of Irene's obituary page at mccombsfuneralhome.com.