Barbara Sue Trott, 94, of Springfield, Missouri
Barbara Sue Trott, 94, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on June 11, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1932, in Bakersfield, Missouri, to Mancil Dunkin Bess and Lillian Lee (Cropper) Bess.
Barbara grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School, where she was a star basketball player. She then attended Draughon’s Business College. On May 15, 1951, Barbara married David Trott in Springfield, Missouri. They were married for 65 years, and resided for many years in Union, Missouri, where they raised their four children. In 1994, after their children were grown, David and Barbara moved to their home near Branson, Missouri, overlooking Table Rock Lake.
Barbara was a successful businesswoman who established the De-Tra-Sue Clothing Boutique in Union, Missouri. Her strong work ethic and natural abilities led to excellence in all her endeavors. She was admired not only for her many accomplishments, but also for the warmth, intelligence, and grace she brought to every aspect of her life. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and she used that gift generously throughout her years. She was an exemplary hostess, and will be remembered as the ‘best cook ever’ by all those fortunate enough to gather around her table. Barbara’s other interests included collecting antiques, sewing, and interior design. She became a skilled caregiver for her husband, David, in his later years.
Faith was central to Barbara’s life. She was a devout, lifelong member of the Church of Christ and was deeply involved in church activities. She taught Sunday School and lived her beliefs through a sincere love for others. She set an example to all who knew her by following the ‘Golden Rule’ throughout her life.
Barbara was also civic-minded and active in the Republican Women’s organization.
Loved ones will cherish memories of her vibrant, outgoing personality; zest for life; indomitable spirit; mischievous sense of humor; forgiving nature; high standards; and, above all, dedication to family.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, David, in 2016; parents, Dunkin and Lillian Bess; son-in-law, William “Bill” Bowen; sister, Rosa Lee Martin; brother-in-law, John Martin; and grandson, Justin Whisenand.
She will be deeply missed by her children, Deborah Lee and her husband, Ed, of Springfield, MO, Teresa Bowen of Springfield, MO, Shelley Bennett and her husband, Donald, of Bethesda, MD, and Byron Trott and his wife, Tina, of Palm Beach, FL. She is also survived by one brother, Marty Bess, and his wife Claudia; nine grandchildren: Britt Bowen, Joshua Whisenand, Erin Goforth, Katelyn Lee Shadday, Alex Lee, David Trott, Abby Trott and Megan Weltmann; twelve great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Barbara was fortunate to receive loving care from her family, private caregivers, and the staff at both the Manor at Elfindale and the Waterford at Ironbridge. She greatly appreciated the special visits, gifts, cards, and phone calls from extended family and friends.
Services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am in the funeral home followed by services at 11:00 am. Barbara will be laid to rest next to her husband, David, in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.
