Barbara married Herbie Middleton in 1966 and they raised their family in the suburbs of north Houston. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Margaret Rider, and sisters, Betty Lackey, Mary Jo Terrill, and Lillian Greenwood. Barbara is survived by husband, Herbie Middleton, son Leon Middleton and wife Sherry, son David Middleton, grandson Shawn Middleton, daughter Susan Sanders and husband Otis, granddaughter Krislyn Placker and husband Ethan, and granddaughters Karlie Middleton, Kaitlyn Sanders, and Emily Sanders.

In addition, Barbara is survived by sister Cecile Dotson and husband Charles, sister Louise Brown, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Visitation was held at Cochran Funeral Home, Livingston, TX on Tuesday, July 2, from 5-7 p.m. Services were held at Cochran’s on Wednesday, July 3, at 10 a.m. Graveside services followed immediately after at Forest Hill Cemetery in Livingston.

Barbara was a God-loving person, baptized in Jesus’ name. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Barbara loved her family, country, and community. She had strong ties in Livingston, serving the citizens of Polk County as County Clerk from 1995 until she retired in 2009. Barbara took great pride in her position and worked tirelessly to modernize

Service held Wednesday

county recordkeeping and pass on her knowledge to the next generation. In addition to her work in county government, Barbara had a keen interest in Texas history. She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Franklin Hardin Chapter, where she worked to preserve memories of Texas pioneer families. Most of all, Barbara will be fondly remembered by all for her gift of gab. She loved good conversation, whether it was talking about family, her memories as County Clerk, or country music. Barbara had many talents and will be greatly missed by all. We will carry her in our hearts forever.

We’d like to give special thanks to all those who helped care for Barbara in her later years: Wanda Gate, Caroline Lee, Dr. Jeffrey Luna, and Harbor Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers: Leon Middleton, Jeff Middleton, Ethan Placker, Glen Middleton, Raymond Middleton, and Kent Middleton.