Barbara Jo Elkins Constien was born on April 27, 1934, at the Lawton Indian Hospital to  Palestine Elkins and Dallas Sullivan. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Fannie Elkins, and around 1940 moved to Binger, Oklahoma. There, she formed a lifelong friendship with Lafon Kniffin Rider and graduated with the Binger High School Class of 1953.  Barbara was a proud member of the Caddo Nation and served as a Caddo Nation Elder. Barbara met the love of her life, Leonard Constien, while playing in a basketball tournament. Her children recently discovered a treasured letter from Leonard asking her on their very first date. The two were married on August 2, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hinton, Oklahoma. Together, they farmed east of Hinton for 16 years before moving to Davis, Oklahoma, for Leonard’s work at Hollytex/Sequoyah Carpet Mills. After two years, they settled in Anadarko.  In 1987, Barbara and Leonard opened Trophies N Things, where they worked side-by-side for nearly 30 years, serving the community until 2016. Barbara remained in Anadarko until her health needs brought her to Maple Lawn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Hydro, where she passed peacefully on August 12, 2025, with family at her side. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard; daughter Sherry East; grandmother Fannie Elkins; mother Palestine Williams; brothers- and sisters-in-law LaVerna & Kenneth Ramming, Marvin & Margie Constien, Arvella & Leslie Calder, and Verlene Ayers.

She is survived by her sons Curtis (Peggy) Constien of Hinton and Dennis (Rhonda) Constien of Mounds, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: Cari (Garrett) Morelock of Piedmont, Clayton (Rachael) Constien of Cypress, Texas, Nora Lee (Jeremy) Evans of Edmond, Erica (Josh) Still of Stillwater, Leslie Jo (Parker) Coons of Bixby, Joshua East of Grenora, North Dakota, and Joel Boyiddle; fifteen great-grandchildren: Baxter Evans, Rowan Evans, Kenedi Morelock, Brady Morelock, Lexi Ann Morelock, Cooper Constien, Carson Constien, Sydney Molz, Cheyenne East and Gracie East, Mason Still, Claire Still, Sloane Coons, Blaire Coons, and Antonio Boyiddle; and five great-great-grandchildren.  Additional survivors include her brothers Jesse (Sue) Mullens and Robert R. Williams, sister Donna Williams, brother-in-law Larry Constien and a host of nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion of eight years Buddy who she loved very much and cared for as long as she was able. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends, especially close friends Lafon Rider, Mike & Gayle Dyer, and Pat Bolding.

Barbara was a confirmed member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she served as church secretary and taught Sunday School for many years. She attended faithfully as long as her health allowed. For many years, she was a popular and sought after judge at local and county fairs and an active participant in Extension Homemaker meetings, frequently taking Cari with her when she was a little girl. Known for her warm hospitality, she loved welcoming guests, playing games—especially Wahoo and Trash—with her great-grandchildren, and earned the nickname Super Grandma while playing superheroes with Brady and Lexi. Barbara enjoyed visits from her family and especially loved watching her great grandchildren growing to soon be as tall as Leonard!  One of Barbara’s fondest memories was watching Curtis and Dennis play basketball and win the 1975 Class 2A State Basketball Championship for Anadarko.  She was a hostess to the end and felt like she needed to take care of anyone who came to visit her.  Barbara’s life was full of service and dedication—whether as a farm wife, mother, grandmother, boy and girl scout leader, 4-H volunteer coordinator, member of the Caddo County OSU Extension Homemaker program, or as the friendly, familiar owner and face of Trophies N Things in Anadarko for 30 years. She will be remembered as the face of the Methodist Church Day Care for many years and has built countless friendships across Anadarko and the surrounding communities and was deeply loved in return.

The family would like to express extra love and appreciation to Mike and Gayle Dyer, neighbors and dear friends for over 40 years, who were so good to visit, help in many ways, and watch out for her on a daily basis. She loved them very much. They also wish to thank Russell Murray Hospice and Maple Lawn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for the love, care, and attention they showed her.

Services will be at the St John Lutheran Church in Hinton, Oklahoma, on Monday, August 18 @ 10 am, with Rev. Orval Peters and Rev. Dennis King officiating; followed by private family burial in Anadarko.  Services are under the care of Turner Funeral Home of Hinton