Barbara Helen Rider Middleton, 80, of Livingston, Texas went home to be with her Lord on June 28, 2024.  She was born in Houston, Texas on October 31, 1943, to Gus Rider and Margaret Mooneyham Rider.

Barbara married Herbie Middleton in 1966 and they raised their family in the suburbs of north Houston.  Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Margaret Rider, and sisters, Betty Lackey, Mary Jo Terrill, and Lillian Greenwood.  Barbara is survived by husband, Herbie Middleton, son Leon Middleton and wife Sherry, son David Middleton, grandson Shawn Middleton, daughter Susan Sanders and husband Otis, granddaughter Krislyn Placker and husband Ethan, and granddaughters Karlie Middleton, Kaitlyn Sanders, and Emily Sanders.

In addition, Barbara is survived by sister Cecile Dotson and husband Charles, sister Louise Brown, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Visitation will be held at Cochran's Funeral Home, Livingston, TX on Tuesday, July 2, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Services will be held at Cochran's on Wednesday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m.  Graveside services will follow immediately after at Forest Hills Cemetery in Livingston.

Barbara was a God loving person, baptized in Jesus' name.  She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  Barbara loved her family, country, and community.  She had strong ties in Livingston, serving the citizens of Polk County as County Clerk from 1995 until she retired in 2009.  Barbara took great pride in her position and worked tirelessly to modernize county recordkeeping and pass on her knowledge to the next generation.  In addition to her work in county government, Barbara had a keen interest in Texas history.  She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Franklin Hardin chapter, where she worked to preserve memories of Texas pioneer families.  Most of all, Barbara will be fondly remembered by all for her gift of gab.  She loved good conversation, whether it was talking about family, her memories as County Clerk, or country music.  Barbara had many talents and will be greatly missed by all.  We will carry her in our hearts forever.

We'd like to give special thanks to all those who helped care for Barbara in her later years: Wanda Gate, Caroline Lee, Dr. Jeffrey Luna, and Harbor Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  The Livingston Volunteer Fire Department or the Charity of your choice.

Pallbearers: Leon Middleton, Jeff Middleton, Ethan Placker, Glen Middleton, Raymond Middleton, and Kent Middleton.