Barbara Ann Kuzmich (née Schultz)

Barbara Ann Kuzmich (née Schultz), whose adventurous spirit, love of family, and joy for life touched everyone who knew her, passed away on November 2, 2026, just one week shy of her 85th birthday. She was born November 9, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Family meant everything to Barbara. She was the devoted mother of Jim and Beth and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart: Christopher, Meaghan, Brigit, Madeleine, Kaitlyn, Emily and Sarah.

She is survived by her son, Jim Kuzmich and his wife, Nicole; her daughter, Beth Kuzmich Stivers and her husband, Mike; her seven grandchildren; her siblings, Sylvia Pautler, Paul Pautler, Bob Schultz, Anne Pautler, Patty Pautler and Mary Ziegelman; and her former husband, Richard Kuzmich.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve “Dolly” Loire Pautler; her father, Albert Schultz, whom she lost when she was very young; and her stepfather, Francis "Chief" Pautler, who became an important part of her life after her mother remarried. Her family takes special comfort in knowing she is now reunited with the father she lost so many years ago.

To know Barbara was to know someone who truly enjoyed life. Strong, spirited and fun-loving, she had a wonderful sense of adventure. She loved to travel and explore, and some of her family's most treasured memories came from the years they spent living in London. Wherever life took her, Barbara delighted in meeting new people and formed lasting friendships in the many places she called home.

She also had a special affection for dogs, especially Bonnie, her beloved companion who brought her tremendous joy. Barbara was happiest near the water, walking the beach in search of shells and watching the birds. She loved music, particularly Rod Stewart; every song was her favorite. Like her mother, she faithfully cheered on her hometown St. Louis Cardinals. She made every holiday special, even the little ones, with traditions like baking cherry pie on Washington's Birthday when her children were growing up. Big or small, Barbara welcomed every reason to celebrate.

Barbara also had style. She loved shopping for clothes and shoes and took pride in always looking beautifully put together. Barbara knew how to find joy, and she knew how to share it, embracing life wholeheartedly. For all the adventures she experienced, her greatest happiness was found in the people she loved and the memories they made together.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, following a private service and celebration of her life with her family in the new year.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in Barbara's memory to Cure Alzheimer's Fund or the Tidewell Hospice.