Funeral services for Barbara Sue Stephens Henry, 81 year-old Weatherford, Oklahoma resident, will be held Monday, December 16, 2013 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Lynn Brack officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Barbara was born on May 8, 1932, in Delhi, Oklahoma, where her family resided on a ranch owned by Dr. H.K. Speed. The family moved to Sayre, Oklahoma in 1935 where her father, Thomas Otho Stephens worked as a rancher and auctioneer.

Along with her older siblings, Betty Ann and Tom, Barbara grew up in Sayre until graduating from high school in 1949, after a childhood rich with a wide range of pursuits such as basketball, high school band, cheerleading and church activities.

Barbara attended Oklahoma State University where she majored in Physical Education, earning a varsity letter in field hockey. After graduating in 1953, she traveled and taught school in Tulsa and Kansas City while also completing additional coursework under many outstanding educators in her field before returning to finish her Masters Degree in Physical Education at OSU in 1957.

Barbara moved to Weatherford and took an instructors position at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. While teaching bowling at Southwestern Lanes, she met Dale Henry, who was working as the manager of the local bowling alley. The two were married on August 19, 1966.

Dale and Barbara had one child, Dale Michael Henry, who was born on October 17, 1967. Barbara left the university and was actively involved in Mikes life, playing a multitude of roles from Sunday school teacher to school volunteer to Cub Scout den mother. She later returned to Southwestern, and spent many years as a financial aid officer at until her retirement in the mid 1980s.

Over the years, Dale and Barbaras home was shared with many members of their extended family, including her nephews, Steve and Mark, who lived with them while finishing high school. Barbaras mother, Amy Gertrude Clubb Stephens, spent the last nine years of her life living with Dale and Barbara. Their home was also a regular destination for family visits. It was common to find a sizeable and energetic clan of nieces and nephews present each summer, happily enjoying long days of swimming, games, and cookouts. She cherished and enjoyed close relationships with relatives, both from sides of her family, throughout her life.

Barbaras civic involvement was far ranging, and left an indelible mark on Weatherford. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and proudly served as Secretary for her beloved Sorosis club for nine years. She presented book reviews at the Weatherford library for over 15 years, full of the irrepressible sense of humor and commentary that her friends came to expect and greatly appreciate. She was an advocate for change in her community, and a proud Democrat.

As a loyal and excitable fan of local sports, she helped found Weatherford Womens Bowling Association, supported high school athletics in every season, and spent many happy summers sitting alongside Dale at baseball games.

Barbaras greatest love and the focus of her unflappable spirit was Weatherfords First United Methodist Church, where she proudly shared teaching duties for her Neonate Sunday School Class. She served in virtually every position imaginable for the local congregation and was a member of many boards and committees on the District and Conference level over a period of constant involvement spanning forty years. Barbara was a loyal and steadfast friend, and spent countless afternoons visiting members of the local community who were bedridden, sick, or injured. She was an ever-present steward and caregiver for her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Barbara is survived by her sister Betty Ann Lam of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Her son, Mike Henry, resides in Las Vegas, Nevada and she has one grandson, Cavanaugh True Henry. She is also survived by nephews and nieces including Steve Stephens (Stillwater, OK), Mark Stephens (Fairfax, VA), Losina Bennet-Mundell (Casper, WY), Trey Lam (Pauls Valley, OK), and Jana John (Louisville, KY). She was preceded in death by her Brother, Tom Stephens, her niece Julie Hannon, and her beloved husband, Dale Henry.