Barbara Ann Bilderback, 80, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by family and a dear friend.

Born on May 23, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, Barbara was the daughter of J. Howard and Maxine Tanner Bilderback. Her father passed away in 1958, and four years later, her mother married Wayne Thompson. Barbara was a 1963 graduate of Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, Kansas. She earned a degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas, and then a Master's in Nursing from Boston College. She also earned a second advanced degree in Divinity from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Barbara's professional life was dedicated to caring for others. She worked at Coffeyville Memorial Hospital and then many years at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, holding various positions. Compassion and expertise made her a beloved figure in the medical community.

A devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Barbara was deeply involved in the church's Altar Guild actively serving from 1974 through 2020. Through her years of service, she formed deep and lasting friendships within the Altar Guild, and in her later years, those same friends surrounded her with the same care and devotion she had so freely given to others.

Her needlepoint creations were gifts she shared generously with others. She was also known for her cooking, and her culinary talents were a highlight of any gathering. Barbara had a natural gift for entertaining, making everyone feel welcome and special in her company. She took pride in her flower beds. She also enjoyed browsing through flea markets hunting for treasures. Her love for the small things in life was evident in the way she lived-content, caring, and always giving.

Barbara had a special place in her heart for children. Her nieces and nephews were the light of her life, and she was always genuinely interested in their lives, asking about what was going on with them and offering advice. Though she had never been a parent herself, Barbara often had a kind word or piece of advice to share, always with a smile and the wisdom of someone who had lived and observed with great care.

She is survived by her brother, John Bilderback (Bernie), and cherished nieces Kristi (Loren) Wadsworth, Becky (Chad) Bachman, and Stephanie (Brad) Moore. She was deeply loved by her great-nieces Amber, Kerragan, and Jaylie, and her great-nephews Anthony, Camden, Andrew, Colbin, Lane, and Rhett, who will always remember her warmth, wisdom, and loving presence.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, J. Howard Bilderback and Maxine and Wayne Thompson.
Her wishes to be cremated were respected. A memorial service to honor her life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Altar Guild Memorial Fund or to the church.

Barbara's love, generosity, and unwavering support of her family and friends will be missed beyond measure. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151