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Barbara Jean Spray

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Barbara Jean Spray died March 2, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 82 years 6 months 29 days. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel.  Online condolences may be made, and service livestreamed at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.

Barbara was born August 4, 1940, in East Gary, Indiana to Ralph and Lela Pearl (Followwill) Ganger. She was raised in Wolkcottville, Indiana, graduating from Centerville in 1958.

Barbara continued her education in Battlecreek Michigan at Kellogg Community College. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1961. Barbara worked at Community Hospital in Battlecreek for 7 -1/2 years, and then at Leila Y. Post Catholic Hospital in intensive care for 6 months before relocating to Norman, Oklahoma.

In 1969, Barbara went to work for Norman Regional Hospital for 9-1/2 years, and then in 1979, she started with the Norman Veterans Center. Barbara retired in 2003 at the age of 63. After retirement, Barbara worked as a travel nurse in home health for several years.

She was an avid bowler and bowled on a league for many years.  Barbara enjoyed riding motorcycles and trying to embarrass her baby boy at every opportunity. She loved to travel, especially trips with her friends to the river-boat casinos in Mississippi. Barbara often took credit for the wine cooler creation, with her favorite drink being Mogen David Blueberry wine and 7-Up.   

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Lela Ganger; and her brothers, Ralph, Oren and Carl Ganger.

Survivors include her son, Kevin Austin and wife, Kristi; her grandson, Devin Austin, all of Oklahoma; her grandson, Kevin Austin of California; her sister, Margie Ganger-Goff of California; her sister, Carol Landenberger of Oklahoma; her brother, Joe Ganger and wife, Karen, of Michigan; her brother, Gene Ganger and wife, Mary, of Oklahoma; and numerous other relatives and friends.