Barbara Miller Sikes, age 86, of Sikeston, died July 4, 2016, at her home. Born May 26, 1930, in Columbia, Mo., to the late James C. and Ennell Harlan Miller, she had attended Hickman High School in Columbia.

She graduated in 1949 from Christian College with an Associate of Arts degree in Music, and graduated in 1951 from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. Later, in 1976, she obtained a Master of Education degree from Southeast Missouri State University.
On August 9, 1952, in Columbia, she married William F. Sikes, who preceded her in death on January 17, 1999.

Mrs. Sikes taught music in the Sikeston Public School System for 26 years, and taught part time at the St. Francis Xavier School for 1 year. During her teaching career she was the recipient of the first Teacher of the Year Award, which was given in 1982 by the women's division of the Chamber of Commerce.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston since 1952. She sang in the church choir for over 50 years, serving for three years as the choir director. She was a member of Chapter HB of PEO.

Surviving are three daughters, Mary (Steve) Borgsmiller of Sikeston, Anne Einspanier of Webster Groves, Mo. and Elizabeth Fox of Farmington, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Emily Borgsmiller (Brian) Moxey, Alison Borgsmiller (Adam) Glenn, Elizabeth Anne Borgsmiller, Mary Madeline Einspanier, Katherine Grace Einspanier, William Brian Fox and Kevin Michael Fox; and two great grandchildren, Olivia Marie Moxey and Birdie Mae Glenn.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son in 1957; sisters Jean Bartels and Carolyn Stern; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane Sikes and Charles S. Tanner.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, with Rev. Jennifer Moxley, officiating.