Barbara Louise Vest

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Memorial Contributions
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN  38105


Marion Animal Shelter
Marion, AR  
Barbara Louise Vest

of Marion, AR

April 13, 1949 - September 20, 2018

Barbara Duda Vest, 69, of Marion Arkansas, passed away on September 20, 2018 after a brief and challenging battle with cancer. Mrs. Vest was born on April 13, 1949 to Louis and Stella Mateuszczyk Duda in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. After graduating from North Adams State College with a teaching degree, she moved to Memphis, TN. There Barbara met and married the love of her life Stephen Vest, on November 25, 1971. Barbara loved children and animals, including the extended family's many cherished pets. She taught in public schools in Arkansas for 44 years, touching the lives of many children and their families, and was always a ready resource for her fellow teachers. Barbara was a very creative and energetic person; she cooked, gardened, painted, enjoyed getting together with her friends. Barb learned to use a jigsaw and used it to create a wide variety of decorative items, including her colorfully painted, hand-crafted wooden Christmas ornaments, which can be found in many local homes. In addition to her hobbies, Barbara enthusiastically tackled all sorts of ''fix-it'' projects at home and at the homes of her friends. She was a platelet donor at St. Jude's for many years.

Barbara is survived by her husband; two sons; Toby Vest and Jake Vest, one sister Francine Dykes ; one brother Rob Duda; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Marion Animal Shelter. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at St Michael's Church in West Memphis from 10-11AM with services to follow at 11AM.


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6 Condolence(s)
DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Sunday, October 7, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".

Avis Fortner
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, September 28, 2018

My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. Barbara was a wonderful teacher and fabulous friend. She loved her husband and best friend Steve dearly! She treasured her sons and was always talking about their accomplishments with pride. She will be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her. I was truly blessed to have her in my life!

Ryan Davis
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 27, 2018

Jake and Toby,
You and your family have influenced my life in so many positive ways I can't even begin to explain. From perogies at Christmas to stopping by your mom’s old classroom for a casual chat, I have always felt welcomed and loved. The two of you have been there for me through times of great joy and pain and your friendship is something I will always cherish. They say a child is a product of their parents, in which case anyone who knew Barbra would know just how amazing and special the two of you are.

Your friend,
-Ryan

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Liked
Sunday, September 23, 2018

Becky Stohens
Rogers, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 22, 2018

We are heartbroken. Love to all of you.

Ted Ferguson
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 22, 2018

Steve, it breaks my heart to have to post this. I never thought I would lose such a great and wonderful friend. Please know that I have you and your family in my prayers.




Love you guys,
Teddy Ferguson