Barbara B. Gildersleeve, of Poteau, OK, departed this life on December 23, 2011. She was born in Laurel, NE, on July 23, 1921 to Harvey and Viola (Woodruff) Bessire. She was a homemaker and member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, AR.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Maida Fast.
Barbara is survived by her husband Vance E. Gildersleeve; three children, Joan Mize and husband Glenn Mize of Poteau, OK, James Wiegand and wife Jeanette of Auburn, WA, and Niel Wiegand and wife Beth of Rochester, MN; two step children, Vancine Clanton and husband William of Red Bluff, CA and Ronald Gildersleeve and wife Shirley of DeSoto, TX; a sister Virginia Martinsen of Santa Rosa, CA.; seven grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; other family members, friends and loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at a later time. Cremation service under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home, Poteau, Oklahoma. You may leave an on-line message at www.gracemanorfh.com.