Received her Heavenly wings on February 7, 2026, passing peacefully at her residence in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Born in St. Louis on January 23, 1942, she was the eldest of three children of Robert and Marie Hergenroeder. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Barbara was devoted to the power of prayer and guided throughout her life by God’s word.
Barbara will be remembered for her vibrant, outgoing spirit and her remarkable ability to light up any room. Whether on the dance floor, in the classroom, or setting off on a new adventure, she embraced life fully and brought energy and enthusiasm to those around her. She cherished the beaches of the states she called home – Virginia, Hawaii, South Carolina, and North Carolina – where she would go to relax and recharge from her six decades of teaching and many professional and volunteer leadership roles.
Family was Barbara’s greatest joy. She loved traveling, dancing, shopping, decorating, cooking, sharing delicious meals with a glass of wine, playing cards and family games, and laughing wholeheartedly with those she loved. No M&M’s, chocolate chip cookies, or cheesecakes were ever safe in her presence. Her sweet tooth, the sparkle in her eyes, her joyful laughter, and her generous, uplifting spirit will be dearly missed.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marie Hergenroeder of St. Louis, Missouri. She is survived by her brother, Bob Hergenroeder (Vera) of Fort Worth, Texas; her sister, Beth Meyer (John) of St. Louis, Missouri; her son, Scott Harry (Nancy) of Springfield, Illinois; her daughter, Michelle Campbell (Garrett) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and her beloved grandchildren, Michael, Whitney, and Luke Harry, and Graydon and Graham Campbell. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted by her brother, after which she will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Affton, Missouri. Family and friends will gather immediately following the service to celebrate her beautiful life.