Barbara Monroe

Barbara Monroe, age 75, of Nixa passed away in her home Sunday, November 6, 2016. She was born December 29, 1940 to Coval and Thelma (Hines) McWilliams in Sheridan, IL. She was raised in the St. Joseph area. Barbara was a member of the 4-H Club and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was Miss St. Joseph in 1959. She met the love of her life in high school, Reggie Monroe. Barbara and Reggie were married June 24, 1961 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, San Antonio. Barbara and Reggie loved children and wanted a large family. They had two biological children and adopted five special needs children from South Korea. Barbara was the founder and COO of Missouri's first private adoption agency, Worldwide Love for Children, focusing on special needs children. She also was an advocate and promoter of open adoption in the State of Missouri while serving as a member of the Governor's Task Force for adoption and the Child Advocacy Council. Barbara loved to sew and embroider. She made many baby blankets and embroidered bibs for various churches. She was a member of the First Baptist church, Ozark. Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be greatly missed. Barbara is survived by her husband; children Mark Monroe, his wife, Beth of Nixa, Becky Querry, her husband, Jason of Plano, TX, Sarah Young of Springfield, Matthew Monroe of Springfield, Joseph Monroe of Kansas City, Rachel Adams, her husband Daniel of Chicago, IL, and Michael Monroe of Springfield; Siblings Joan Lang, and Daniel McWilliams; many other relatives and friends. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; and a brother Larry McWilliams. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 10, 2016, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in the funeral home. Cremation will follow the funeral service. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.