Barbara Jean Backus

Barbara J Halford Backus, 88 passed away April 29, 2021 in Abilene, TX.  Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Chris Turner officiating. A private family graveside service will follow. 

A native Oklahoman, Barbara was born to Harry and Jesse Halford in Barnsdall OK, on January 4, 1933. Barbara moved to Guymon, OK when she was 14 years old and this is where she met the love of her life Harroll Backus. They were married in February of 1949 and began their life together and raised their family in Guymon OK.  Barbara worked for many years at First National Bank as a teller. Barbara's greatest joy was her family with whom she shared her love of music and the arts, books, politics and the great world that was out there. She was a longtime worker in the nursery at First Baptist Church and she made sure her children were taught the things of God as they watched her walk out her faith in Christ Jesus.

A proud life-long democrat, she was active in the Texas Democratic Party and served both as a Democratic County Chair and a delegate to the State Democratic Party Convention.  In 1997, Barbara along with Harroll moved to Abilene, TX to retire and be closer to two of their daughters. A lifelong faithful servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Barbara became an active member in Abilene's Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Throughout her life, Barbara was an ark to many in her family. She opened her home for not just a visit but to live with her and Harroll when they were needed. She served as a role model for the Great Commandment – to first love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind. And second, to love thy neighbor as thyself. Those closest to her knew Barbara to be a woman of great love and kindness. Barbara was always telling her grandchildren “Have courage “and she was a role model in courage. No matter what she faced in life she was courageous and always set this example of courage and faith in the Lord. She never gave up or gave in to difficult situations even on her last day. Barbara will be known as a great wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister and friend.  

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harroll L Backus Sr.  youngest son Kelly Ross Backus, brother Ted Halford, sister Harri Fuller and nephew Daniel Maberry.

She is survived by son Hop Backus and his spouse Douglas Dixon of Chicago, Illinois, two daughters and sons-in-law Teddie and Joe Spano and Cathy and Pete Spano, both of Abilene, her sister Nelda Lowder of Amarillo and her brother and sister-in-law James and Jewell Halford of Abilene. She was a most loving grandmother to Jason and Jennifer Stelzer, Chad and Amy Backus, Kelli and Kyle Grigsby, Lacy Spano, Taylor and Tiffany Backus, Michelle Spano, Joseph Spano Jr & Maree, Dan & Cami Mayberry, and Jeffery & Angela Mayberry, and proud great-grandmother to Kelton Grigsby, Maddie Spano, Madilyn Stelzer, Karson Grigsby, Mason Spano, Briley Stelzer, Joseph and Alex Urbano, Chloe Hajali, Brooks, Bennett, Clayton, Cody and Walker Backus. And she cherished her grand-dogs Scooter and Pierre. 

Memorials may be given to the Westminster Presbyterian Church benevolent fund. 

The family request those attending please wear a mask during the service. The family extends sincere thanks to staff at Hendricks Hospital and Dr. Tom Headstream and wife Teresa Headstream.