Barbara Ruth Mize Abbott's Obituary
Barbara Ruth Mize Abbott was born in Lindale, TX on February 12, 1948 to Thomas Franklin Willis, Sr. and Alice Fuston Willis. She was the eighth of nine children. Barbara grew up in and around the Wood county area. On October 9, 1965 Barbara married K.T. Mize, Jr. They had three strapping boys, Tony, Corey and Keenan. Barbara Desperately wanted a daughter so instead of trying a fourth time, she called strike three, so she and K.T. adopted their daughter Jennifer Kim in 1980. This completed their family. In 1982 K.T. and Barbara founded the very successful business of Longview Lawn and Garden Equipment. This business is still going strong today being run by Keenan, Corey, and their sons. In 2008, Barbara lost her husband K.T., to cancer. On May 21, 2011, Barbara married Frank Abbott, Sr. They were married until Barbara's passing on April 9, 2025. Barbara was 77 years old.
In her life Barbara had many interests and passions but none topped her love of family. She loved spending time with her and Frank's kids and grandkids. You could often find her having game nights at her house playing games like Uno, Skipbo, and Dominos. Barbara also loved fishing and camping. She loved the outdoors and was an excellent gardener and birdwatcher. To know Barbara was to know how much she loved to bake. If you never had the pleasure of having Barbara cake or cookie, you surely missed out. Barbara was a faithful follower of Christ and attended Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church of Longview, TX
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Franklin Willis, Sr. and Alice Fuston Willis; her husband K.T. Mize, Jr.; her siblings Frank Willis, Jr. and wife Margie, Jessie Willis and wife Lillian, Marie Willis Attaway and husband Jake, Joe Willis and wife Ruby, Earnest Willis and wife Pat, and brother-in-laws U.S. Belcher (Mutt) and Bob Bullard.
Barbara is survived by her husband Frank Abbott, Sr. her sons Tony Mize and wife Lisa, Corey Mize and wife Beverly, and Keenan Mize and wife Traci. Her daughter Jennifer Johnson and husband David. Step-sons David Abbott and wife Ann, Preston Abbott and wife Susan, and Frank Abbott, Jr. and wife Susan. Sisters Odessa Willis Belcher and Joyce Ann Willis Bullard as well as Dale Willis and wife Patsy. Grandchildren Kimberly Mize Williams and husband Alex, Kristina Mize Dorsey and husband Rickey, Kacie Mize Spurr and husband Robbie, Dakota Mize and wife Mariana, Montana Mize and wife Shaynee, Nathan Mize and wife Tori, Lauren Mize, Tye Johnson, Kayla Bradshaw, Casey Gunn and Madison Schreiber. Great grandchildren numbering 13 with 4 more on the way. Many step grandchildren and great grandchildren on the Abbott side, and a host of nieces and nephews as well as sister-in-law Pat Thornton.
Funeral services for Barbara will be held at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview on Monday, April 14 at 2pm with a burial to follow at Rosewood Park. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday between 3 and 5 pm.
A special thank you goes out to the Hospice of East Texas for making her final days those of rest and peace.
Barbara will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."
- Thomas Campbell
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