Barbara Ann Wood

Barbara Ann Wood, born on July 27, 1946, passed away in her home on the morning of December 18th, 2025, at the age of 79.

Barbara married Gerald Wood on April 1, 1989, and is survived by her husband and children: Cynthia Trippel- Michael, Angela Miller-Brian, Sherry Klosinski-Thomas, and Elizabeth Dobbs. By her grandchildren: Monica Sink, Benton Trippel-Julie, Michelle Trippel, Courtney Abraham, Travis Klosinski-Theresa, Breyanne Dobbs, Zachary Klosinski-Hannah, Seth Dobbs, and Isabella Dobbs. Her great-grandchildren: Makenzie, Emma, Ellie, Paisley, Rory, Jordyn, Bailey, Kalin, Devin, Eustace, Luke, and Clara. As well as her sisters Alice Price and Marilyn-Dale Donahue, with her brother-in-law Ralph Hohl,

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Ella Ramey, her sisters Roberta (Jean) Hohl and Berniece Woodruff, and her brother-in-law Harold Price.

To know Barbara, “Barb”, “Mom”, “Grandma”, “Nana” was to love her. In 2013, she was given 3 years to live. Her family was blessed to receive 12 instead. She saw her family mature and her own daughters become grandmas.

She never knew a stranger, keeping an open-door policy. Unannounced guests dropped in at all hours of the day for a conversation and a cup of coffee. Her small kitchen table treated many a guest and more than a few characters, all welcomed.

Barb and her husband Gerald “Woody”, owned and operated the former Woody’s Machine and Plastic’s on third street in Osceola where they employed many of her family.

She participated in the Osceola Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, happily attended the Osceola Memorial Day parades and The Blue-Grass Festival each year.

Grandma was happiest when she was with her family. A true matriarch, she cared for every member of her family. Grandkids were treated to trips to the old Park N’ Shop and Martin’s, where a toy always came home. Holiday and birthday cards were always sent out. Answering machines were lovingly ambushed by a Patsy-Cline rendition of happy birthday.

No one left her house worse off. From food to advice or repairing a piece of clothing with a needle she stored in a curtain; you were cared for.

Parties were frequent, whether it be a hog roast, camping in their family campground, or a pool party at their poolside “cabana”, she kept her family close. What she had was built, nothing was ever given but she gave freely, of what she could, to all. You always left with a $5 bill, food, something she forced you to take, or a coupon to Subway she saved until you came by.

Barb’s cooking was known by many. In her family’s cookbook, prepared by her and her daughters, you’ll find some of her best work. From her pumpkin squares to her cream puffs, love was served. She cooked to order, she knew when you walked in that you would ask for a grilled cheese cut diagonally with a glass of milk.

She never missed her soaps and always caught the Price is Right. She was probably the last person in the state that had never pumped gas. At get togethers, when the music was right, it was not uncommon to see her shock a crowd by getting up on a table to bop and dance to a song just to show everyone she still could. A passion she found while twirling baton in her youth and her appearance dancing on the American Bandstand.

Toward the end of her life, she had found the joy of Karaoke thanks to her friends and neighbors who she quickly came to love as her own. If asked what she was doing that night she was “Going down to Kenny’s to sing”. She had several dogs over the years but her last, “Forge” the black lab, was truly hers. He laid by her side on Thursday morning while her family said goodbye.

Barb was A Coal Miner’s Daughter kind of woman. Her home was a place of magic and life that can only truly be felt in her absence.

Love you a bushel and a peck, with a hug around the neck. Grandma, you are deeply loved and you will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be held from 3-7pm Monday, December 22, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Barb’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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