Barbara L. Westerman

Barbara Lee Westerman, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on August 29, 2024. Barbara was born on June 4, 1938, in Russell, Kansas, to Bert William and Aimee Grace Vanderbur. She graduated from Russell High School in 1956. Awarded scholarships for her exceptional performance on the saxophone and bassoon. Barbara pursued a degree in Music Education and Performance from the Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Oklahoma (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma), graduating in 1960. During her college summers, Barbara played in the "Kids from Home Band" traveling to Europe, Japan, Korea, and Hawaii to entertain military troops. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue a professional music career. Although she played with several rehearsal bands, she ultimately decided to move back home. Barbara began her music teaching career in Schoenchen, Kansas, where she met and married David Werth. Together, they had four children and made their home in Salina, Kansas. Barbara taught band for 29 years, instructing students from elementary through high school. She also shared her musical talents by performing with the Salina Symphony, the Salina City Band, and in local musical productions. In 1987, Barbara married Byron Westerman. After retiring, they settled in Branson West, Missouri. During her retirement, Barbara continued to share her love of music by directing the church choir at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church. She and Byron formed the B & B Duo, a musical group that played at dance clubs in Missouri and Arkansas. Barbara especially enjoyed family time. Some of her most cherished memories were family gatherings at their home on Table Rock Lake, enjoying days filled with boating, swimming, and playing cards and games with the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara was an avid crocheter, taking great joy in creating beautiful holiday gifts for her family and friends. She enjoyed shopping and was known for her bargain-hunting skills, especially at garage sales and thrift shops. In 2021, Barbara and Byron moved to Tulsa, OK. She continued to share her gift of music by playing at Mass at St. Bernard's. Over the past few years, Barbara has been working on composing the "Mass of Assurance," which she completed in July, referring to it as her "gift back to God." Barbara never met a stranger; her warm smile, boundless joy, and infectious sense of humor endeared her to everyone she encountered. She was especially beloved by all the doctors, nurses and hospice staff, who often called her 'my favorite patient'. Barbara is survived by her children: Monica (Kevin) Stephenson, Mitchell (Dawn Yarbrough) Werth, Michael (Alice) Werth, and Monte Werth; her nine grandchildren: Nikki (Antonio) Cool, Jason (Kelsey) Haggard, Alex Werth, Kressley Werth, Katie Werth, Mason Werth, Mikayla Stephenson, and Kaleb Stephenson; her eight great-grandchildren: Jadon, Bryson, Camdon, Dixon, Sutton, Rylan and Logan Cool and Makai Haggard; her brothers: Dennis (Benji) Vanderbur and Gary (Christine) Vanderbur; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; her parents; and her sisters: Valerie Cook, Jeanne Dale, and Judy Weis. Barbara's legacy of love, joy, and humor will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Barbara L. Westerman

June 4, 1938 - August 29, 2024