Barbara Duty

Barbara Jean Duty, 88, of Roff, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Ardmore, surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara was born on September 8, 1937, in Fitzhugh, Oklahoma, to Troy and Edna Lou (Emerson) Alexander. She grew up in the Fitzhugh area and attended college before raising a family and dedicating many years to her career in medical administration. After retirement, she enjoyed returning to work alongside her daughters at the Arbuckle Clinic in Sulphur.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was caring for others. A longtime member and nursery volunteer at Fitzhugh Baptist Church, she found great purpose in sharing God’s love, leading others to the Lord, and welcoming everyone with kindness and compassion. As her family lovingly says, “She was a parent to everybody.”

She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and celebrated their accomplishments with quiet pride and unwavering encouragement. She loved having everyone around her table, where the laughter, stories, fellowship and games were almost as memorable as her cooking.

Barbara found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved traveling with her family, tending her flower gardens, crocheting, shelling peas on the porch, playing dominoes and Farkle, and spoiling the many beloved dogs that her kids joked had more toys than they ever did.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Edna Alexander; her beloved husband, Bill Duty; and her sister, Peggy Bradford. She is survived by her son, Wade Duty; her daughters, Tina Duty and Teresa Lynn; her grandchildren, Sidney Lynn and Preston Lynn; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A funeral service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Steve Wilburn. Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at East Hill Cemetery in Roff.

Barbara believed life and God’s love was meant to be shared—with family, friends, neighbors, church family, and anyone who needed a meal, a prayer, a listening ear, or simply a place to belong. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made in Barbara’s honor by providing a meal for a local church youth group or children’s ministry in your own community. It is our hope that this simple act of fellowship and kindness reflects the generous spirit with which she lived her life.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is not found in the things she left behind, but in the family, she raised, the countless lives she touched, the faith she shared, and the love she so freely gave.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23