Barbara Sheehan's Obituary
Barbara Janette Sheehan, 81, of Unionville, MO passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday February 19, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Barb was born on April 1, 1944, in Tama, Iowa. She was the daughter of Herb and Levina Mathes.
Growing up Barb was involved in music, band, glee club and a fierce debater. She loved playing music with her brothers, nieces and nephews and especially her grandchildren whom she taught to play. Barb was a member of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Eastern Star, the Unionville Garden Club, and the Historical Society/Genealogy. She was a large contributor to the cemetery readings and publication of the cemetery books of Putnam County.
Barb was an LPN for several years before going back to school and obtaining her RN degree. She spent the remainder of her career working at the Putnam Co Memorial Hospital, Agency Nursing, Home Health Nursing, Industrial Nursing (PSF), and even worked for her daughter at an outpatient surgery center. She recently received her 50 year pin.
Barb was always spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made her best attempt to go to every activity or sporting event they were involved in. She made sure she had Moravia Blue attire and bleacher chairs as well as Smithville Green attire and bleacher chairs.
She was also the "on-call" caregiver for her grandchildren when her kids needed her; never once complained about it and we think she had to have a "go bag" as fast as she would get there!
Barb is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dennie Sheehan, her son Michael Sheehan and wife Nancy of Unionville, MO, and her daughter Kimberly Nitsche and husband Troy of Smithville, MO. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jenna Lawson & husband Dalton, Jarin Nitsche & wife Sarah, Keltin Nitsche & fiancé Adelyn and Trevin Nitsche, as well as her Great Grandchildren: Case Lawson & Oaklen Lawson, a sister Jody Ferguson, a sister-in-law Janet Stout and many nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Herb & Levina Mathes, brothers: Sonny (Bev) Mathes, Bill (Marlene) Mathes, and Karlen (Sue) Mathes as well as nephews Rob, Kevin & Eric Mathes. She was also preceded by her in laws: George & Mary Sheehan, Sister in laws Opal Butler, Margaret Salisbury, and Shirley (Robert) Myers as well as brother in laws Melvin (RuthAnn) Sheehan & Gerald (Marjorie) Sheehan. Nieces Tammy Sheehan and Denise Spencer.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Visitation will be held one hour prior, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Putnam County Genealogy Society and entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th Street, Unionville, MO 63565.
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