Barbara Jean Elder, age 86, of Sweetwater, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Sterling Hills Rehab.

A private graveside was held at 4 pm on Monday, March 9, at Sweetwater Cemetery with Dr. J.T. Thornton officiating. Burial followed. Arrangements were under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Barbara was born on July 26, 1939, in Canadian, Texas, to Clem and Nedra (Lott) Flowers. She married Gerald Elder on June 15, 1962 in Perryton. She moved to Lubbock with her husband where he was the store manager of the Piggly Wiggly store. He eventually started working for Lawrence Brothers Management managing stores for them. In 1981, they moved to Sweetwater where he became a grocery supervisor for over 30 grocery stores. Barbara was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Lance Elder of Springtown, Texas, and Randy Elder and wife Elizabeth of Scroggins, Texas; two grandchildren, Jake and Katy, and one sister, Peggy Bruckner of Amarillo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Nedra Flowers, her husband, Gerald Elder, one brother and one sister.