Barbara Joan (Chezem) Lientz, daughter of the late Paul and Grace Chezem was born October 18, 1943 in Danville, Illinois, and passed away November 15, 2025 at the age of 82 in West Plains, Missouri.
She was united in marriage May 26, 1962, in Stone Bluff, Indiana, to Ken Lientz and they were married fifty-two years.
She is survived by three children, Brian Wesley Lientz and wife, Karey, Springfield, Missouri, Andrew David Lientz and wife, Melinda, Plant City, Florida, and Kendra Jo Cockrum, West Plains, Missouri; and three grandchildren, Shelise Lientz, Tampa, Florida, Deshia Ford and husband Ryan Ford, Edwards AF Base, California, and Chelsee Bryant and her husband Stephen Bryant, West Plains, Missouri, and five great grandchildren.
She and her husband, Ken Lientz, traveled many miles throughout the United States on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle during their retirement. She also sang and wrote songs for several years with the Traveler’s Gospel Quartet while living in Texas and published a solo album titled “I’m Climbin’ Higher” in 1972.
Barb was an accomplished poet, songwriter, and a talented, self-taught pianist and accordionist.
She was known for her kindness, love of animals, especially her cats, and her sense of humor. She would light up the room with her presence and loved to spend time with her family who misses her every day.
November 20, 2025 @ 12:09 pm
Barbara I am so sad that you are gone, you had brought so much joy to west vue and I enjoyed our talks and getting to know you and your brother may you rest easy sweet sweet lady, gone but not forgotten. until we meet again.
November 23, 2025 @ 11:00 pm
Kendra and family, so sorry to hear. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers for you and your family.