Barbara Jean Hartung

Barbara Jean Hartung, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, woman of faith, and cherished friend, passed away on September 23, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 78.

Barbara was born on January 30, 1948, in Hereford, Texas, to Bette Flatt and Frank Burleson. During her childhood, her family settled in Jerseyville, Illinois, where she attended Jerseyville High School. Following a deep calling to care for others, she attended the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating, she began her career there in 1970, working in the newborn nursery.

Caring for babies was far more than a career for Barbara-it was a true calling. Throughout her decades in medicine, she cared for countless newborns and eventually transitioned to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. Barbara affectionately referred to the infants in her care as “her babies” and loved each one dearly. She took immense pride in her work, and her family takes comfort in knowing that countless healthy adults are walking around today because Barbara took such exceptional care of them when they were small. After many years of dedicated service, she retired in 2011.

On May 17, 1968, Barbara married the love of her life, David Carl Hartung Sr. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared many wonderful years of marriage before David’s passing in May 2025.

Barbara was a devoted mother to her three children and a deeply loving grandmother. Her family was the ultimate source of joy and pride in her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Carl Hartung Sr.; her mother, Bette Flatt; her stepfather, Earl Flatt; her father, Frank Burleson; and her brother, Gene Flatt.

Her faith was the absolute anchor of her life. As a longtime member of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, she formed profound friendships and became an integral part of the congregation. She faithfully attended Bible study for many years, served on the Board of Missions, and acted as a parish nurse, using her medical knowledge to support church members. Her commitment to service extended into the broader community through blood drives and volunteering with Christian Friends of New Americans, where she provided free nursing care and support to immigrant families. She firmly believed that everyone deserved kindness, compassion, and access to care.

Those who knew Barbara would describe her as one of the kindest and most generous people they had ever met. She was always there for others, ready to listen, help, or simply offer a comforting presence. Helping people was not something Barbara did only when it was convenient; it was simply the essence of who she was.

At home, Barbara found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an exceptional cook and baker, famously regarded by her family as the best cook ever. She made holidays magical, always delivering requested favorite meals with a warm smile. She also enjoyed reading, trivia, collecting Hummels, and collecting Bibles. She possessed a curious mind and an open heart.

Barbara leaves behind her children, Jill Marie Munoz, Beth Anne Hartung, and David Carl Hartung Jr. (Jenny); her grandchildren, Carly Marie, Emma Elizabeth, and Rowan Jackson; her sister, Kathy Zipprich; her brother-in-law, Jim Hartung; and a large, loving circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and her church community.

Her lasting legacy of compassion, faith, and generosity will continue through her family and friends. The many lives she touched-from the tiny babies she nurtured to the families she welcomed and the home she filled with love-will carry her spirit forward always.

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association, at donorservices.Alzheimer's Association

Services: A memorial service will be conducted at Ascension Lutheran Church, 5347 Donovan Ave., St. Louis MO 63109, Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11am.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home - Eureka, please share memories of Barbara and condolences with the family in the online guestbook at Schrader.com.