Barbara Colene Conant (Brandon), 88, went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior on March 8, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and compassionate caregivers.
Barbara was born on December 15, 1937, in Green City, Missouri, to Delorm and Clarice Brandon.
Barbara was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. She accepted Christ as her Savior in the early 1970s, and from that moment forward her life reflected her devotion to the Lord. She never hesitated to share God’s love with others—whether picking up hitchhikers, opening her home to those in need, or ministering to someone she had just met while standing in a grocery store line. Barbara faithfully served the Lord throughout her life and helped lead many people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
She was an active member of Caring First Assembly of God for many years and later attended Family Worship Center. Barbara was also deeply involved in the Women’s Aglow ministry and participated in mission trips to South America, sharing her faith and compassion with others. Within her family, she was known as the prayer warrior—often waking in the middle of the night to pray for those she loved.
Barbara deeply loved her family and devoted much of her life to caring for them. She married Gary W. Steele on May 29, 1955, and together they welcomed three children: Roger (Teri) Steele of St. Peters, Missouri; Cheryl (Steve) Elliott of Amazonia, Missouri; and Sheila R. Steele of St. Joseph, Missouri.
In 1975, she married Charles E. Conant and lovingly welcomed his four children into her heart: Cindy (Bob) Liechti, Craig (Ramona) Conant, Chris Conant, and Coryle (JJ) Summers. Together they shared a home centered on faith, family, and caring for others.
Barbara found great joy in serving others and caring for her home. During her career, she worked at Katz, Whitaker Cable, and Racom. At home, she was deeply devoted to providing for her family and took great pride in making sure nothing went to waste. Whether in the kitchen preparing meals, preserving food, or making use of every ingredient, she believed in using what she had to ensure her family was always cared for. Sewing was another of her great passions. She loved making clothing and quilts, and many in her family treasure the handmade quilts she lovingly created—often gifting them for weddings and special milestones. She was also involved in sewing groups where she made blankets for infants and those in need. Through these simple but meaningful acts, Barbara expressed her love, generosity, and commitment to those around her.
Grandma often reminded her family of God’s care in her own colorful way, saying, “You are as safe as a toad in God’s pocket.” She even shared this with loved ones a few days before she passed, a testament to her enduring faith and comforting presence.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Conant; her parents, Delorm and Clarice Brandon; her siblings, Shirley, and Carroll; and four grandchildren: Jeremiah, Joseph, and Rachel Liechti and Angel Conant.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Cathy Grooms; her seven children; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her love and faith.
Barbara lived as a good and faithful servant of the Lord, and in the words of Matthew 25:23, she heard the call: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a woman whose faith, kindness, and prayers impacted countless lives.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Family Worship Center, 12293 County Road 438, Country Club, Missouri 64505. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with a graveside service at Ashland Cemetery.