Barbara Joy Stumblingbear

Barbara Joy Stumblingbear, 75, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at LMH Health.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 7th at the Ponca Community Center in White Eagle, Oklahoma. Burial will follow on Tuesday, July 8th at 11:00 AM at Rainy Mountain Cemetery in Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Barbara was born on September 3, 1949, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Cecil and Thelma (Bointy) Stumblingbear. She was a proud member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and an alumna of Oklahoma State University.

Barbara was a strong, hardworking woman who dedicated over 42 years of her life to Haskell Indian Nations University, where she supported, guided, and watched over thousands of Native students pursuing higher education. She took great pride in her work and found deep joy in helping students succeed, often becoming a steady presence in their academic and personal lives. Known for her resilience, generosity, and unwavering dedication, Barbara made a lasting impact on generations of Indigenous scholars. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched.

Barbara loved to visit with people and had many friends. She was an inspiration to her family and community. A lady singer, she enjoyed singing and traveling to powwows and ceremonies, embracing her culture and sharing it with others.

She is survived by her sons, Pete (Jenny) Buffalohead, Jerod Buffalohead, Robert Collins, and Bruce Collins; her daughter, Justine Collins; her brother, Alfred Stumblingbear; her grandchildren, Alia Buffalohead Pueblo (Trevor), Keetha (Darian) Buffalohead, Andye Wolfe, and Katzy Buffalohead; and her great-grandchildren, Yeniah, Yenuzah, Josie, Vadan, Layana, Havoc, Vylette, Donanegah Zhinga, Kyrstyn, and Mihayv.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Jason Buffalohead and Wesley Collins; daughter, Jennie Collins; brother, Cecil Royce Stumblingbear; and granddaughter, Allana Buffalohead.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s family asks that memorial donations be made to Indian Avenue Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice in her honor.