The Richmond News, Oct. 10, 2025

Barbara Ann (Stone) Swafford, 92, passed away peacefully Oct. 3, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James F. Swafford; and her sister, Judith L Fowler.

She is survived by three daughters, Cindy (John) Dalton, Kim Ray and Jamie (Sam) Tweedie; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Kansas City to James C. and Helen (Getcher) Stone.

She graduated in 1950 from North Kansas City High School. She attended the University of Central Missouri, where she met Jim and was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority.

Barbara married Jim on Aug. 22, 1953, in Gladstone. In 1955, they moved to Richmond, where they resided until retirement in 1993.

While in Richmond, Barbara owned and operated The Paint Can, a small wallpaper, paint and decor shop. She also worked at the Apple Tree clothing store and the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a volunteer at the Salvation Army as well.

After retirement, Barbara and Jim moved to Liberty and bought a motor home in which they traveled often for six years. In 2000, they moved to Venice, Fla., where they lived until moving back to Liberty in 2015.

Barbara spent the last seven years living at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond, enjoying working puzzles, reading and attending various activities where she made many friends.

She was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond United Methodist Church or Shirkey Hospice.

Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, followed by a memorial service at 2, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.