Barbara Fugitt's Obituary
Barbara Sue Fugitt , 94, born to Orval and Vanetta lemons on February 13, 1930 in Buffalo, Missouri passed quietly on December 6, 2024 while at the circle of life hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, “Wild Bill” Fugitt, who passed September 25, 2013.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Bill Kallenbach, who reside in Bolivar, Missouri, three children, Kayla Malczycki of Little Rock, Kathy Brand of Rogers and Kim Fugitt and wife Connie of Prairie Grove. Barbara leaves eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Barbara enjoyed a lifelong passion for music. She learned piano from her mother before the age of five and sang in the family quartet. During high school, 1944-1947, she performed as a trio with two friends, singing at school functions at SMS University and Drury college. Eventually, the trio became weekend “regulars” performing on the Springfield radio station, KWTO.
After a three month courtship, on February 24, 1949, Barbara married the love of her life, Bill, who had returned in 1945 from the European theater of WWII. They honeymooned for the weekend in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1957, Bill and Barbara moved to Rogers, Arkansas to pursue a business opportunity and remained in NWA until 1974 when they returned to Springfield, Missouri. Barbara’s love for music and vocal talent lead her to direct the local chapter of “Sweet Adeline’s International” for which she traveled the country leading and excelling in international choral competitions. An ever industrious couple, Bill became owner of “Fugitt Brothers Livestock Commission Company” while Barbara founded the “Fugitt-Guin” jewelry store in Springfield, Missouri. However, after two robberies in only three years, she and Bill left the jewelry business for safer pursuits.
In 1984, Barbara and Bill moved back to NWA to be closer to her children. She started a 25-year career selling real estate with the Lindsey Company where she enjoyed notable success and was ultimately promoted to Vice President. When Barbara and Bill moved to Rogers, Arkansas, she continued drawing accolades for her musical talent as a member of the First Christian Church choir where she sang many “specials.” She was a dedicated member of First Christian Church since 1957.
Barbara was a member of PEO, Chapter “U”.
She shall be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church at 905 A. 13th street in Rogers, Arkansas at 11:00 in the morning on February 13, 2025 where she will be inurned. Donations in her memory may be sent to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas, 72764.
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