Barbara Allen Schnell, 89, of Spearman, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021.  There will be a private family graveside service .   A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 1:00p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Spearman with Rev. Tony Bailey of Borger officiating, assisted by Rev. Mindy Mc Lanahan.   Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman.

Barbara Ann Allen Schnell was called to Glory on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the age of 89 years, 348 days. She died in Spearman, Texas, where she was born to Garrett Allen and Annie King Allen on December 13, 1931. Barbara was the third of four children. That winter, the family had $100, "cash money" to live on until Spring. $75 of this was set aside to pay the doctor who would deliver Barbara. This might well have been the best $75 human resource investment ever. Barbara grew to be a beautiful, intelligent, athletic girl who excelled at everything. She was the epitome of an overachiever, believing that perfection was an attainable goal with enough discipline and hard work.

One fateful evening she was attending a party at the home of her best friend. Standing by the piano, she caught the attention of a dashingly handsome young man. The man asked his friend who she was. "That's Barbara Allen," said his friend, "the prettiest girl in town." The handsome man, Louis Schnell, boldly responded, "I'm going to marry her." She must have seen his perfect potential because they were married – for over 70 years.

The young couple was ambitious, determined to be successful. Barbara became an immaculate housekeeper, wonderful cook, and saw to Louis' every comfort. She accomplished this with skill and dedication. Two children were born into the family, a challenge to any plans for perfection, but there was an abundance of acceptance and forgiveness, and everyone flourished. In fact, life was ideal. Barbara was an exceptional mother, volunteering for her children's school activities, inspiring them to achieve their best, and never missing their varied extracurricular events.

When the family finances needed a boost, Barbara went to work for her creative, talented friend, Charlene Bulls. She learned the necessary skills to expertly craft Charlene's ideas into lovely draperies and bedspreads to beautify area homes. When Charlene turned to other artistic pursuits, Barbara successfully ran the business for many years while also managing Louis' electrical shop. Her penchant for perfection was a tremendous asset.

Barbara was devoted to the Methodist Church in Spearman of which she was a lifelong member. She faithfully served on many committees. Dearest to her heart were the kitchen committee which provided countless meals for grieving families regardless of church affiliation – preserving the Methodist philosophy of food being a direct reflection of God's love – and the Rainbow Kids ministry. She participated in these activities until well into her 80's with her truest friend, Pat Dear.

Barbara and Louis worked hard and played hard. They developed lifelong friendships and enjoyed many, many trips and adventures. They were often heard to assert that what happened on vacation stayed on vacation, but pictures have survived.

Barbara's dream of earthly perfection was realized in her beloved grandchildren – her pride and joy. Anyone would feel the same – an award- winning coach, teacher, and student mentor, an award- winning civic minded attorney, a vice-president of a billion- dollar software company, and a highly decorated, courageous guardian of Freedom. Now there is a third generation proving the possibility of super perfection, her 5 great grandchildren. Who knows where this could lead? Wall Street tycoons take note – a $75 investment, hope, faith, service, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and love – the successful blueprint for a lasting Legacy that benefits this world and builds a strong foundation in the next. ($75 optional.) May she rest in perfect Peace.

Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Louis Schnell, her sister Verna Gail Keim, brother Don Allen, niece Karen Woodward, and son-in-law USAF retired Col. Roger Nash. She is survived by her brother Dee Allen (Ann) Amarillo, son James Schnell (Karen) Spearman, her daughter Patricia Nash Monument, CO, grandchildren Clint Schnell (Courtney) Flower Mound, TX, Jennifer Kaiser (Alex) Oklahoma City, OK, Anna Nash (Rich Friedberg) Mt. Pleasant, SC, and TSgt Peter Nash (Mary) Monument, CO, along with great grandchildren Jack Brady Schnell, Drew Kate Kaiser, Brady James Kaiser, Micah Patrick Nash Friedberg, and Ara Aloise Nash Friedberg.

Barbara's family is profoundly grateful to those who cared for her at the end of her life: Dr. Mark Garnett ( the family's superhero) nurses Lainie, Lexi, Denise, Ruth, and Candy. Her caregivers, Jan Ellsworth, Paula Green, and Paula Macias extended her life and preserved its quality, enabling her to stay in the home she and Louis built together over 60 years ago. They treated her with great love. She lived every day with humor, dignity, and grace.

Anyone wishing to memorialize Barbara is invited to consider donations to the Kitchen Committee of the 1 ^st United Methodist Church in Spearman and Snack Pack for Kids, Spearman.

Services under the auspices of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home will be held at the 1 ^st United Methodist Church, Spearman, TX, on Saturday, December 11,2021, at 1:00 PM. The Reverends Toni Bailey and Mindy McLanahan will officiate.