Barbara Jean Plute

Barbara Plute, 94, passed away on March 20, 2026, at Palm Garden of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, after a long illness. She leaves behind two daughters, Stephanie (Lee, dec.) Harris of Independence, Kansas, and Stacy (Rob) Works of Tampa, Florida; three grandsons, Adam (Chelsea) Harris of Broomfield, Colorado, Austin Harris of Independence, Kansas, and Calvin Works of San Francisco, California; and four great‑grandchildren—Ethan, Nolan, and Jordan Harris, and Teagan Harris. She is also survived by her brother Jack (Judy) Litty of Sherman, Texas; brother‑in‑law Willis (Anna) Plute; sister‑in‑law Joan (Jimmy) Plute of Coffeyville, Kansas; and cousin Saundra (Williams) Harrison of Springfield, Missouri; as well as six nieces and several grandnieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doyal Ray Plute; half‑sister, Francis (Litty)Thies; son, Stephen Ray Plute; cousin Charles “Butch” Williams; nephew Jack Litty Jr.; and brother‑in‑law Jimmy Dale Plute.

Barbara was born on October 21, 1931, to Carlos and Pauline (James) Litty in Springfield, Missouri, where she grew up. The family later moved to Coffeyville, Kansas. She graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1949, then attended Coffeyville Community College. She married the love of her life, Doyal Ray Plute, at Emmanuel Baptist Church on April 22, 1951. They made their home in Coffeyville for many years before moving to Independence, Kansas, where they owned Doyal’s Photography Studio and Camera Shop.

A gifted musician and artist, Barbara taught accordion for many years and led an accordion band that performed throughout Coffeyville. As a young girl during WWII, she played for veterans in hospitals and veterans’ homes in Springfield, Missouri. She won a talent show judged by Tex Ritter, earning the opportunity to tour with him and receive a Hollywood screen test—an adventure her parents ultimately declined. She continued performing on radio and on local stages in the Springfield area.

Barbara worked alongside Doyal at their studio, creating artwork and oil paintings. She was a talented seamstress, sewing costumes for Neewollah musicals, church programs, and countless family projects. She loved to knit and crochet, creating treasured pieces for those she loved. Making her home beautiful brought her joy, and she had a gift for creating warm, welcoming spaces.

Barbara and Doyal shared a deep love of God that shaped every part of their lives. They were faithful church members, teaching the Bible together, leading music, and pouring their hearts into helping others grow spiritually. Their home was filled with warmth and creativity, and they were exceptional, devoted parents. Barbara was also a longtime member of WMU (Women’s Missionary Union).

She and Doyal enjoyed traveling and delighted in sharing that joy with their children and grandchildren. Corpus Christi and North Padre Island held a special place in their hearts, and they moved there after retirement. After Doyal’s passing in 2004, Barbara moved to Leesburg, Florida, to be near her brother Jack and sister‑in‑law Judy, and later to Tampa to be close to her daughter Stacy, son‑in‑law Rob, and grandson Calvin. She enjoyed the Florida sunshine, the scenery, and the closeness of family. It was there that she passed from this mortal coil into her heavenly home.

Arrangements are being handled by Ford-Wulf-Bruns of Coffeyville, Kansas. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, one of Barbara’s favorite Southern Baptist missions, which provides funds for international missionaries. One hundred percent of the offering goes directly to the field.

Gifts may be made at any Southern Baptist church, online at imb.org, or mailed to the International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230.