Barbara McClelland

Barbara Jean (Kirby) McClelland, 92 of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away in her home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Barbara the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Peeples) Kirby was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, on June 10, 1932. Barbara graduated from Dadeville High School in 1949.

Barbara and James McClelland were united in marriage on December 6, 1956, and shared over 63 years of marriage before James’s passing in 2020.

Barbara was a lifelong area resident and worked as a bookkeeper for over 20 years at the Ash Grove Farm Supply, founded by her father. She was later active in the Ash Grove Nursing Home Auxiliary as a volunteer beautician. Barbara enjoyed working in her garden and spending time with her neighbors and family. 

Barbara was a member of the Ash Grove United Methodist Presbyterian Church. Barbara was blessed to have two grandchildren, Zachary and Emma. She adored them and loved following their activities through the years.

Barbara is survived by her son, Steven and wife, Rebecca; grandchildren, Zachary and Emma; sister, Norma Costly; sister, Charlene Jaeger and husband, Jim; and sisters-in-law, Beverly Kirby and Evelyn Kirby.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, James; one infant child; parents, Charles and Margaret Kirby; one sister, Doris King; and brothers, Kenneth and Bob Kirby. 

Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025 at Ash Grove Cemetery, Ash Grove, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Ash Grove United Methodist Presbyterian Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.