Barbara J. Moody

Barbara Jean Moody (Gautreaux) age 94 left her physical body Saturday May 24, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at Kansas City Hospice House. Barbara was born February 25, 1931 in Dodge City, KS to Laura Hunter. Shortly after her birth she was adopted by her uncle Lee & his wife also named Laura. Though he was her uncle she only ever knew him as her dad and loved Lee deeply until his death in 1970. 

Barbara grew up in Northeast Kansas City and attended Northeast High School. She had one son Stephen before meeting and marrying Wallace (Wally) Gautreaux. After their marriage Wallace adopted Stephen. Barbara & Wally had 4 other children: Wallace (Kenyon) Jr., Claire, Douglas & Oren. Wally & Barbara chose Raytown to set down their roots. They found their home and raised their family. Barbara & Wally divorced in the early 1980’s and Barbara went back to her early roots in southeast Kansas to visit family. This twist of fate led her to meet Robert (Bob) Moody and fall in love. They were married in 1981 and lived in Sublette, KS. Barbara enjoyed Sublette. She made friends and found many things to keep her occupied. Whether it was volunteering at her church, starting up a catering business with her friend Betty or hosting her grandchildren every summer. If you ask any of her grandchildren, they will speak for hours about those summers and what they meant to them. She and Bob lived happily, until Parkinson's and dementia took its toll on him. Barbara moved back to the Kansas City area to be closer to her family support as she moved Bob to a VA nursing home in Warrensburg. He lived there until his death in 2013. 

Barbara spent the last years of her life in Lee’s Summit, MO. She was very involved with Westridge Christian Church in Raytown, MO where she was proud to count herself a charter member. She spent time with her large family and made friends wherever she went. She was active and social and living independently right up to the end of her life. Anyone who met her always thought she was lying about her age as she never “acted like an old lady”. Everyone always thought she was at least 20 years younger than she was. Barbara was a bright, beautiful soul who loved her family and loved God. In her final days, as her illness took its toll, she said she was not afraid. She knew she was going to see Jesus and was at peace. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Lee & Laura; her siblings Janet, Margaret & Bob; Her ex-husband Wallace; Her husband Robert Moody; Two of her children Kenyon & Claire; A grandchild Greg; & a great grandchild Hayden. She is survived by her large family including her remaining 3 children Stephen, Douglas, Oren and his spouse Terry; 1 step-daughter Michelle; 14 grandchildren Julie, Stacey, Ann, Gina, Christie, Jinette, Aaron, Nick, Sean, Joel, Ana, Damon, Lindsay, Elizabeth; 19 great grandchildren; & 2 great-great grandchildren. 

For those who wish to give donations instead of flowers, the family asks for donations to Kansas City Hospice House.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 31, 2025, From 11 AM until time of service at 12 PM at Park Lawn Funeral Home. Barbara will be laid to rest next to her first husband Wallace Gautreaux in Memorial Park Cemetery.