Tunks, Barbara I. 1947-2025 Gulfport, Miss.

GULFPORT, Miss. – Barbara Illene Tunks was born on Sept. 9, 1947, to Bob and Mary Pruett, in St. Joseph. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at her home.

On Dec. 30, 1974, she married the love of her life and soul mate, Gary L. Tunks. Barbara was a registered nurse who worked primarily in the emergency care unit. She and Gary lived in Northwest Missouri until 1996 when they moved to Mississippi. She loved the Gulf of Mexico and was so happy to be close for the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her second mother, her aunt, Mildred Pruett.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Gary L. Tunks; stepdaughter, Cindy Kilgore, of Cameron, Missouri; her grandson and other love of her life, James Kelley; and her cousin (like a sister), Donna Francis, of St. Joseph.

Per Barbara’s request, there will be no services. She will be cremated and her remains will join her beloved Gulf of Mexico.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.