Barbara Ellen (Ruiz-Hastings) Wade, was born November 25, 1943, in Pecos, Texas. She departed this life on April 29, 2025, in Cabool, Missouri, at the age of 81.
Barbara grew up in the Wright County area attending first grade in Hartville and Norwood schools and second grade through ninth grade in Mountain Grove. For the biggest part of her youth she lived in the Mountain Grove area.
Barbara was united in married to John Edward Wade in 1966. They moved to Benton, Arkansas, where they raised their three children, Bradley, Patty, and James. The family moved back to Mountain Grove in 1984 and Barbara began working at Autumn Oaks Caring Center. She worked there until John’s health declined, requiring her to stay at home and care for him.
After John passed in 2002, Barbara volunteered for Hospice Compassus. She truly enjoyed caring for and doing things for people. She was truly an encouragement to all who were blessed to know her.
Barbara enjoyed being outdoors, especially around water. She also like going to yard sales, reading, and traveling. She loved spending time with her dogs and cats but her family was nearest and dearest to her heart. She looked forward to time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Barbara received Jesus as her personal Savior in 1969 at the First Assembly of God in Benton, Arkansas. She lived a life that pointed others to Jesus Christ. She enjoyed volunteering and helping with various things in the church. In her personal note to her children the following was written: “As much as I love my family, I am looking forward to Heaven.”
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Benito Ruiz and Lola Maude Hastings; her husband of 36 years, John Wade; one son, Bradley Wade; and one brother, John Neatherlin.
Barbara is survived by two children, Patty Bass (Joseph) and James Wade all of Mountain Grove; seven grandchildren, Spenser Stewart (Michael), Eddie Wade, Shilo Merchant (Adam), Jordan Selby (Tyler), Jenson Wade (Tyler Marsh), Brittany Moore (Luther), and Devon Brammer (Christopher); seventeen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
