Barbara Jane (Blacksmith) Sears, 80, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Tuesday (October 1, 2013) at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

The daughter of Anthoney and Laura (Phillips) Blacksmith, she was born May 24, 1933 in Novinger, Missouri. On December 31, 1967 in Unionville, Missouri, Barbara was united in marriage to Glen Sears who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, and one son, Alan Middleton on March 19, 2011.

Barbara is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Mary Middleton of Novinger, MO; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Leonard Simonson of Ewing, MO; three grandchildren, Brad Middleton, Jeremy Middleton and Latisha Simonson, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Barbara was a graduate from Novinger High School and resided most of her life in Novinger. She was employed as a nurses aide for local hospitals and nursing homes a number of years.

She enjoyed blue grass music and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held Friday (October 4, 2013) from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Friday (October 4, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Darrell Crooks officiating. Interment will follow the service at Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, MO.

Pallbearers will be Frank Broseghini, Gordon Blacksmith, Roy Risher, Tyrone Hays, Brad Middleton and Keith Hammons. Honorary bearers will be Perry Joe Broseghini and Leonard Simonson.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Barbara Sears may be made to the Novinger Fire Department. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.