Barbara Jean (Broberg) Huffman met her Savior, Jesus, face to face on July 28, 2025 at the age of 87. Born in Detroit Lakes, Minn., on February 18, 1938 to Roger and Mabel Broberg, she was the eldest of five children. Growing up in small-town America, she helped her father in his hardware store. Barb graduated from Henning High School in 1956, where she was active in the school band, playing the trumpet—an instrument her son, Doug, and grandson, Ben, also took up. She was also a pianist, with her favorite song being “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Barb loved music, singing in the church choir, and performing in small groups at various church services. One of her favorite music groups was the Gaither Vocal Band; she attended several live concerts and even participated in a Gaither Cruise to Alaska.

On June 29, 1957, Barb married David I. Huffman. Together, they had four children. Their life was filled with adventures, including running a ServiceMaster business, building a home near Carlos, Minnesota, and building a cabin near Henning. Many family vacations were spent camping at Minnesota State Parks and on road trips across the country, creating cherished family memories. Barb treasured time with extended family, especially during holidays and family reunions. Additionally, she traveled to such places as Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Mexico, Italy, Israel, and the Bahamas.

Barb held various jobs during her life, including working in a cannery, running a post office, serving in school cafeterias, working in retail sales, and managing a condominium complex. She served on the board of directors for their condo association, and during her retirement in Monett, Mo., she volunteered at Cox Monett Hospital.

An exemplary wife and mother, Barb offered strength and grace to her family. She devoted many years to raising her children, was involved in numerous school and church activities, and faithfully attended volleyball games and cross-country races as one of their biggest cheerleaders. An excellent cook and baker, Barb left behind not just recipes but a legacy of life lessons. She taught her children to live independently and anchored her family with her strong faith in Jesus Christ. She shared many warm moments with neighbors over coffee and maintained cherished friendships.

Barb often joyfully shared Jesus’s saving grace with those she met. She was active in church leadership, serving as an officer and eventually president of the Alexandria Baptist

  Conference Women. Her missionary heart led her to Ukraine, where she taught English using the Bible.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dave Huffman; her parents, Roger and Mabel Broberg; two brothers-in-law: Dale Kawlewski and Earl Huffman; four sisters-in-law: Joyce Huffman, Edna Kawlewski Holmquist, Jean Westfall, and Helen Sheldon; and a niece and several nephews: Karen Ouse, Brian Westfall, Paul Westfall, Craig Huffman and Matt Broberg. Her four children survive her: Shellie (Bob) Wilson, Doug (Deb) Huffman, Mark (Kim) Huffman, and Carrie (Kelly) Hughes; five grandchildren: Chris (Leia) Huffman, Ben (Courtney) Huffman, Nathan (Shelby) Huffman, Brianna (Alex) Hughes-Robinson, and Leashanna Hughes; and four great-grandchildren: Paxton, Chloe, Lacey, and Emmett. Also surviving are her siblings Lonnie (Karen) Broberg, Sharon (Bob) Dale, Jan (Mike) Rowen, and Jerry (Angie) Broberg; brothers-in-law Bob (Kathy) Huffman, Dave Sheldon, Wyman Westfall, and Albert Holmquist; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. at New Site Baptist Church in Monett, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Interserve USA (c/o Mark Huffman, P.O. Box 418, Upper Darby, PA 19082) or New Site Baptist Church (P.O. Box 731, Monett, MO 65708).

Online condolences can be made at www.buchananfuneralhomemonett.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, Mo.