Barbara Diann (Thurman) McDaniel was born on June 18, 1942, in a cabin on the north side of what is now known as Ozzie Cobb Lake. She graduated from Rattan High School in 1960 and soon after moved to Dallas, Texas. While living there, she met the love of her life Ernest M. McDaniel, and they were married on March 14, 1970, sharing over 52 beautiful years together.

In 1990, Barbara and Ernest returned to Rattan, Oklahoma, where she made her home for the rest of her life. Barbara was a devoted member of the Rattan Victory Assembly of God Church. She had a passion for flowers and plants of every kind and a creative spirit that shone through her many talents. She enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, cake decorating, painting, soap making, and crafting her own unique creations. Above all, Barbara loved serving the Lord and cherished her family deeply. Her inner beauty radiated outwardly, touching every life she encountered.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Memphis McDaniel, Sr; her parents, William Elza Thurman and Nobie Audrey (McGuire) Thurman; her half-brothers, Marvin and Wilburn Thurman; and her half-sister, Estelle Steppe.

She is survived by her loving children: Ernest McDaniel Jr. and wife Heather of Lawton, Oklahoma; Belinda Watrous and husband Chuck of Brandon, Mississippi; Sharon Janoe and husband Chris of Rattan, Oklahoma; Jonathan McDaniel and wife Jessica of Rattan, Oklahoma.

Barbara also leaves behind eight grandchildren- Brittany Clarke and husband Austin, Brianna Watrous, Jacob Watrous, Brason Janoe, Aundrea McDaniel, Benjamin Janoe, Jonathan Cole McDaniel, Haley McDaniel, and Ava McDaniel- as well as four bonus grandsons: Fred Janoe and wife Andi, Wayne Janoe, Brent Janoe and Fiance Cassie Boyett, and Cody Janoe and wife Courtney; and one bonus granddaughter, Callie Chatham.

She was also blessed with one great-grandson, Nicholas Merritt, and seven bonus great-grandchildren: Austin, Claire, Lily, Henley, Gracie, Brooks, and Braigen.

Barbara is also survived by her sister, Margie Lawrence; her nephew, Anthony "Tony" Lawrence and family; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

The memory of Barbara will forever be etched into our hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though her absence will be deeply felt, her family finds comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ- and that one day, they will be reunited in Heaven.

Services for Barbara will be held 10 AM Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Victory Assembly of God Church in Rattan with Pastors Jonathan Hooker and Kent Jensen officiating.  Burial will follow at Rattan Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Watrous, Brason Janoe, Benjamin Janoe, Cole McDaniel, Cody Janoe and Austin Clarke.  Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Janoe, Wayne Janoe, Brent Janoe and Anthony "Tony' Lawrence.

Services have been entrusted with Serenity Funeral Service in Antlers, Oklahoma.