Barbara Jane (Hartsook) (Skelton) Stewart, age 76 passed away on May 14, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1949, in Emporia, Kansas and spent many years living in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Barbara was a women whose life was defined by love, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to family. She was blessed with a large and ever growing family. She helped raise and love so many children acrossed several generations. She is survived by 14 children. Rita Haynes, Daisy Skelton, Darrin Skelton, Ricky Howell, Tressa Stewart, Kelly Stewart, Donnie Stewart, Lisa Wishon, Derrick Stewart, Doug Stewart, Denny Stewart, Jonathan Skelton, Ian Skelton and Jacob Skelton. Her legacy continues through her 31 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren each of whom she loved deeply. She is survived by her siblings: Pamela (Hartsook) Wrobel, Thomas Lloyd Hartsook, and Laura Hartsook. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Norton Lloyd Hartsook and Eva (Roberts) Hartsook. Both her husbands Alvin Thomas Skelton and Donald Levi Skelton; Her sons Thomas Ray Skelton and Stephen Wayne Skelton and her grandson Matthew Boothe.
To know Barbara was to know unconditional love. She claimed many as her own sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and friends extending her heart far beyond bloodlines. She had a special love for children and found a great joy in bringing her family together. Barbara was a long term employee with Tyson Foods in Fayetteville, Arkansas. When she wasn't working there she worked as a caregiver. Outside of work she enjoyed doing activities with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
There were very few problems Barbara could not solve with a warm hug and conversation. However, of she needed any help she knew she could count on her long term best friend Cecillia Henderson. Together, they shared a life time of friendship, raising families, and creating countless cherished and often mischievous memories that will live on through their children and grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on May 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm at Bethesda Cemetery in Cane Hill, Arkansas. In honor of togetherness the gathering will includes tailgate style potluck. Guests are encouraged to bring a finger food to share as family and friends come together.
Barbara Jane Stewart will be deeply missed, but her love, laughter and legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.