Obituaries

Barbara A. Rust Simpson, age 88, of Walton, KY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at her residence— on the same farm where she lived for 84 of her 88 years.

Barbara was a retired Bookkeeper for the City of Florence, KY, and a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Walton, where she had served as a Sunday School teacher. She found great joy in line dancing, hiking, reading, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Barbara especially loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and cherished every moment shared together.

She had a gift for hospitality and loved entertaining family and friends. Her sweet smile and kind, positive spirit were ever-present as she hosted pool parties and Sunday dinners. No one ever left her home hungry. Barbara was known as an exceptional cook and baker, famous for her blackberry and Italian crème cakes. As her daughters were growing up, she served as a 4-H Leader and consistently encouraged her family in the importance of education and Christian values.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bryant and Thelma DeVaur Rust, and her son-in-law, Larry Davis.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, of 69 years, Bob Simpson; daughters, Melanee Davis and Lori Sorrell (Tom); grandchildren, Keturah Lunsford (John), Jessica Dickson (John), Courtney Cooper (Clay), Corey Sorrell (Jess), and Casey Sorrell (Hannah); and great-grandchildren, Avery Lunsford, Zane Lunsford, Jada Dickson, Camden Sorrell, Kaylee Sorrell, Clay Cooper, Caden Cooper, Caroline Sorrell, and Kennedy Sorrell.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. All services will be at First Baptist Church in Walton. Interment will take place at Independence Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 47 South Main St., Walton, KY 41094.