Lois A. Barton died Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Tulsa, OK, following 15 months under hospice care. She was 95 years old. Formerly, she was a long time resident of Branson and Springfield, MO.

Lois was born in Axtell, KS, on November 11, 1929, the oldest of three daughters for Robert and Martha Anderson. Her father, Bob, was the youngest of nine children, so she grew up around a very large extended family. Family continued to be a high priority throughout her lifetime. Lois claimed to have a cousin in nearly every town she visited. They later moved to Wellington, KS, where her parents owned Anderson's Davis Paint Store for many years.

While attending Wichita State University, Lois met Donald Bull (later Barton). After graduation, they married on July 27, 1952. While Don served in the Navy, Lois spent several years working in women's fashion retail on The Plaza, Kansas City, and in Orlando, FL. When he considered reenlisting, she famously told him, "It's either me or the Navy - your choice."

In 1964, Don began his studies for the Episcopal priesthood at Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, VA. In 1970, he and Lois moved with their family of four children to Branson, Missouri, where Lois was actively involved with Don in a 20 year ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church. Everyone knew Lois - she was a special confidante and source of wisdom to people of all ages in the Branson community. A woman of great Christian faith, she readily offered a prayer to whoever or whenever it was needed. But her greatest joy came from being a mother, then grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active member in PEO chapters for many years beginning in Branson. When Don retired in 1991, they relocated to Springfield, MO. Following Don's death in 2010, Lois later moved to Tulsa, OK, to be near daughter Donna, and her family. She resided at University Village Retirement Community until her passing.

Lois' final days were blessed by the devoted presence of her granddaughter, Sarah. An advocate to ensure she was as comfortable as possible, Sarah maintained a peaceful environment for her grandma to complete her long death journey.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rev. Donald Barton, and sister Crystal Hargraves. She is survived by sister Phyllis DuBois (Bob), San Jose, CA; daughter Donna Durrin (Mike Fletcher), Tulsa, OK; sons Robert Barton, Kansas City, MO; Thomas Barton and James Barton, Springfield, MO; granddaughters Megan DiGregorio (Randall Hardee) and Sarah DiGregorio, Tulsa, OK; Christina Barton, Seattle, WA; Liz Barton, Kansas City, MO; great-granddaughters Verona DiGregorio and Lydia Hardee, Tulsa, OK; niece Ann DuBois, San Jose, CA; nephew John DuBois, Hamburg, Germany. She also is remembered by multiple cousins across the country.

The family is grateful to the staff of University Village and Compassus Hospice, for their care especially after Lois became bedridden in December 2023. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, with ashes to be interred in the columbarium at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Branson, MO.