Barbara K Thomas

Barbara K. Thomas (Snider), 85, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, in Belton, Missouri. She was born July 14, 1941, in Lowry City, Missouri, to Charles E. Snider and Jewell F. Snider (Biles). She attended school in the Montrose Mo School district. Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. Her life revolved around the people she loved, and she was always finding ways to spend time with them, talk to them, or make something special for them. Barbara began her working life as a waitress in several restaurants before spending most of her career in factory and manufacturing jobs. She worked at a pecan factory in Butler, Missouri, before beginning a 25-year career with Solo Cup Company in Grandview, Missouri, from 1975 to 2000. During those years, she made many lifelong friends. She later worked for ProMail Services until 2010. Barbara had many talents and interests. She loved gardening and took great pride in growing and canning the things from her garden. She loved her plants and flowers and could spend hours caring for them. She was an incredibly talented crafter who enjoyed anything involving yarn, thread, or string, as well as painting, making miniatures, drawing, and many other creative projects. In her later years, diamond art became one of her favorite pastimes. But Barbara's greatest passion was her family, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She spent many years attending ballgames, school events, and countless other moments that mattered to the people she loved. She didn't just tell her family she loved them—she showed them through her time, her creativity, her generosity, and simply by always being there. Barbara married Harley Stevens in 1959, and they later divorced. On January 1, 1966, she married Walter Thomas, and to this union her beloved daughter, Michelle, was born. They later divorced. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Michelle Davis of Belton, Missouri; granddaughters Santana Smith (James) of Belton, Missouri, Shawna Davis of Belton, Missouri, and Shelbie Davis of Noblesville, Indiana; and great-grandchildren Adilynn Davis, Bryson Davis, Carter Smith, and Miles Smith. She is also survived by her siblings Boyd Snider of Kansas City, Missouri; Robert “Bob” Snider (Ramona) of Belton, Missouri; Christy Greenwood (Gary); James Snider (Milissia); Dena Lamb; John Snider (Angel); Daniel Snider; Joshua Snider; and Jonica Snider; as well as sister-in-law Barbara Snider and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Snider and Jewell F. Snider (Biles); brothers Terry Snider, Larry Snider, and Eddie Snider; sisters Louetta Ivey and Udora Kalwei; sister in law Ada Snider, son-in-law Keith Davis; a ex-husband Walter Thomas. Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of memories in the hearts of the people who loved her. Her hands may no longer be busy in her garden, creating beautiful crafts, or making something for someone she loved, but the love she poured into her family will live on through the generations she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. We ask that you keep her family in your prayers as they navigate this great loss.

Barbara K Thomas

July 14, 1941 - August 6, 2026