Barbara was born at Lisco, Nebraska, one early Easter morn, March 31, 1929. She was the daughter of Lonnie and GraceWaggerby Spears. Grace (her mom) was assisted at the birth by Mary Middleswart Phillips. Dr. Morse, who arrived late, announced a fine baby girl and left a bill for $35.00.

Barbara attended both Lisco and Garden County High Schools. She was employed by the Garden County Extension Service for a year. She married Bill McDermott at the family home in Lisco on May 16, 1948.To this union five children were born: Cyndia, William P., Andrea, Adina and John.The couple farmed northeast of Broadwater until they sold the farm in 2011.

They then lived in Kimball where Bill was a rural mail carrier in the 1970s. Barbara worked forVogler Green Houses and Kimball County Manor during this time.They retired to Bridgeport in 1987.

Barbara’s passion was her dedicated family and helping others to make their load lighter. Predeceasing her in May 2013 was her husband of 65 years, Bill; her parents; two brothers, Jim and Norman, and a sister Flossie.

Surviving her are her children, Cyndia (John Kitt) of San Antonio,TX,William “Pat” (Tajah Neubo) of Bend, OR, Andrea (Kenneth Fields) of Phoenix, AZ, Adina (Mike Bauer) of Bridgeport, NE, and John of Wasilla, AK; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two wonderful nephews Larry Christison of Filer, ID, and Steve Adams of Aurora, CO; and her dog, Danny Boy, a loyal companion.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Broadwater, Nebraska, with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. There will be no visitation. A celebration of life will take place in the summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bridgeport Library and the Church of Christ in Bridgeport, Nebraska. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel. com for the McDermott family.

Barbara passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026.