Barbara Lee Coffman

Barbara Lee Coffman, daughter of the late Robert Glenn and Mabel Olga Maurer, was born at the Bon Terre Hospital in Bon Terre, Missouri, on June 5, 1930. Barbara passed on September 29, 2025, at age 95.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Paul Coffman, on August 5, 1949. Paul preceded her in death, passing in 2022. They were married 73 years. Barb is survived by her 3 children: Linda Sue Coffman (partner Steve Olson) of Hartsburg, MO, Robert Paul Coffman (wife Devona) of Camdenton, MO, and Michael Glenn Coffman (wife Marsha) also of Camdenton. Barb and Paul have 4 grandchildren: Barbara Robbins (husband Joshe Henry), Stacy Zellin (husband Harold), Aaron Coffman (wife Katrina), and Michael Paul Coffman.

Barbara is preceded in death by her brother Robert Glenn Maurer Jr., and her sisters Ruth Marie Denton and Judith Olga Martinez.

Barb graduated in 1948 from Leadwood High School in Leadwood, Missouri. She played drums in the high school concert and marching bands and sang in the high school choir. Barb also sang in the Methodist Church choir in Leadwood. She played the piano, too.

While in high school, Barb worked as a salesclerk at an electric shop in Leadwood. She attended Flat River Junior College 1948 - 1950. After Junior College Barbara passed the Missouri State Superintendent’s Teachers Exam and took a job teaching all grades in a one room schoolhouse. At that time and place, teachers had room and board in the schoolhouse. The children walked to school and brought their own lunches. Barbara’s meals were brought to her by the principal. She went home on the weekends. She put her teaching career on hold while she stayed at home to raise her 3 children. Barb and Paul raised their children in Festus, MO. When Barb reentered the workforce she taught Kindergarten, Special Ed and served as librarian in the Festus Public Schools. After Paul’s retirement from Union Electric, Barb and Paul settled in Camdenton, Missouri, living on the Lake of the Ozarks as their final home.

Barb and Paul loved to travel. They routinely spent the winters in Florida and hosted family gatherings there. They traveled the western USA in their RV, making the trip to Alaska twice. They enjoyed RV camping in state parks. Barb liked to fish, boat and camp, and she was a good slalom water skier.

Barbara was an exceptional homemaker. She cooked, canned, and froze vegetables from their extensive garden. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing anything from prom dresses to boat covers. She loved to play with her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to her family, always putting her family first.

Barbara was always smiling. Her home was filled with love, laughter, joy, and fun. She never uttered a harsh word. She actively supported her children and grandchildren no matter what they were doing. She maintained a positive outlook to the end. Barb never complained, accepting the challenges of her last years with grace and dignity. “I’m fine,” she would often remark. And true to herself, these were her last audible words.

Kimberly Kinnard and Harmony Chase Bowman joined the Coffman family to care for Barbara in the last two years of her life. The family will be forever grateful for their care, love and support.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.