Barbara Ann (Mabe) Vestal-Cramer

Barbara Ann Vestal Cramer, nee Mabe, was born November 14, 1936 in Steelville, Missouri and passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026 at the age of 89 years, 2 months and 22 days at BJC Hospital in Sullivan.

Barbara grew up in Steelville and graduated from Steelville High School in 1954.

She was united in marriage to Robert Vestal in May 1954 in Steelville, MO and to this union 3 children were born, Gary, Mikey and Bruce. They lived in Thayer, MO for over 25 years.

Later in life, Barbara married Howard Cramer and they resided in Grove, OK.  Through the years,  she was employed by KALM Radio station in Thayer as a secretary and occasionally did the news, weather and sports. Also, she worked at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO as a unit secretary in the ER unit and later worked again as a Unit secretary at Ozark Mental Health Center in Joplin.

Barbara had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Steelville and later First Baptist Church in Thayer. Barbara enjoyed going to Thayer High School football, baseball and basketball games, camping at Norfork Lake, and crappie fishing on Grand Lake, OK. During her marriage to Howard, they enjoyed riding their Gold Wing Motorcycles. She also enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would light up at the mere mention of their names.

She is survived by her one son, Bruce (Kellie) Vestal of Steelville, MO; two grandchildren, Brianna (John) Mimnaugh of CT and Brandon (Jackie) Vestal of CA; two great-grandchildren, Arabella Mimnaugh and Mason Vestal; one sister, Joan Godbey of Appleton City, MO; nieces, Chris Joyce and Terry Johnson all of Columbia, MO; other relatives; several cousins and friends.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends and was loved by many.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Hester Mabe; husband, Robert Vestal and Howard Kramer; sons, Gary Vestal and Mike Vestal; brother, Roy Lee Mabe; several aunts and uncles.

A Graveside service was held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Steelville Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.

Interment was in the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, MO.

The Vestal-Cramer Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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