Barbara Ellen (Ruiz-Hastings) Wade

Barbara Ellen (Ruiz-Hastings) Wade, was born Nov. 25, 1943, in Pecos, Texas. She departed this life on April 29, 2025, in Cabool, at the age of 81. Barbara grew up in the Wright County area attending first grade in Hartville and Norwood schools and second grade through ninth grade in Mountain Grove. For the biggest part of her youth she lived in the Mountain Grove area. Barbara was united in married to John Edward Wade in 1966. They moved to Benton, Ark., where they raised their three children, Bradley, Patty and James. The family moved back to Mountain Grove in 1984 and Barbara began working at Autumn Oaks Caring Center. She worked there until John’s health declined, requiring her to stay at home and care for him. After John passed in 2002, Barbara volunteered for Hospice Compassus. She truly enjoyed caring and doing things for people. She was truly an encouragement to all who were blessed to know her. Barbara enjoyed being outdoors, especially around water. She also like going to yard sales, reading, and traveling. She loved spending time with her dogs and cats but her family was nearest and dearest to her heart. She looked forward to time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara received Jesus as her personal Savior in 1969 at the First Assembly of God in Benton, Arkansas. She lived a life that pointed others to Jesus Christ. She enjoyed volunteering and helping with various things in the church. In her personal note to her children the following was written: “As much as I love my family, I am looking forward to Heaven.” Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Benito Ruiz and Lola Maude Hastings; her husband of 36 years, John Wade; one son, Bradley Wade; and one brother, John Neatherlin. Barbara is survived by two children, Patty Bass (Joseph) and James Wade, all of Mountain Grove; seven grandchildren, Spenser Stewart (Michael), Eddie Wade, Shilo Merchant (Adam), Jordan Selby (Tyler), Jenson Wade (Tyler Marsh), Brittany Moore (Luther), and Devon Brammer (Christopher); 17 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Graveside services for Barbara Wade were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the Manes Cemetery, Manes, with Pastor Dwain Allmon officiating. Luther Moore, Chris Brammer, Adam Merchant, Tyler Marsh and Michael Stewart served as pallbearers and Jordan Selby and Tyler Selby served as honorary pallbearers. Special songs were “Amazing Grace” and “When We All Get To Heaven”. Burial was in the Manes Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.