Barbara Ann (Short) Gay, affectionately known by many as "Granny" or "Granny Barb", passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at the age of 85. A lifelong resident of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Barbara was born on November 17, 1939, in Hinton, Oklahoma, to Paul W. and Myra A. (Propps).

Barbara spent her early years on Sugar Creek near Hinton, later living in Hugo before ultimately settling in Ardmore – the place she would call home and the heart of her family's story. Alongside her parents and brother, she helped run Bill and Barb's, a beloved local restaurant that served the Ardmore community for 51 years. It was more than a business – it was a hub of warmth, family, and the kind of food only Granny Barb could make.

A natural in the kitchen, Barbara's love for cooking wasn't just a skill – it was her way of loving others. She learned to decorate cakes, became a caterer, and found joy in feeding crowds, especially when it meant having all her loved ones under one roof. Her home was the gathering place, and she would cook and cook and cook – always making sure everyone had their favorite dish and seconds to go with it.

Barbara was the proud and loving mother of Sheri Jensen and husband Eric of Minco, OK; Randy Farr and wife Chris of Stonewall, OK; Stephanie Rolland and husband Chris of Oktaha, OK; Chuck Gay and wife Erica of Ardmore; and Jeremy Gay and wife Lauren of Ardmore. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Cynthia Ann Farr.

She was the treasured grandmother of 16 grandchildren: Ryan Farr, Summer Dunn, Kirbi Blankenship (Cory), Luke Rolland (Kim), Chad Rolland (Brinley), Kristen Hutson (Henry), Lauren Fulk (Nick), Michael Jensen (Kelly), Jared Jensen (Sara), Jade Wedman (Glenn), Jacelyn Gay, Avie Gay, Cannon Gay, Jackson Gay, Weston Gay, and Hunter Gay.

Her legacy continues through 20 great-grandchildren: Gracie Farr, Ryndon Farr, Pheonix Smith, Waylon Smith, Syble Blankenship, Rusten Weichman, Cole Rolland, Case Rolland, Coy Rolland, Kieley Holladay, Caden Holladay, Gunner Fulk, Cash Hutson, Ryleigh Hutson, Colson Jensen, Hattie Jensen, Callan Jensen, Bowen Jensen, Wheeler Wedman, and Wells Wedman.

She is also survived by her niece Joy Aldridge (Doug), and nephews Paul Short and Jon Short (Patti). She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill Short, and beloved sister-in-law, Norma Short.

Barbara's work ethic was unmatched. In addition to her years at the restaurant, she worked at Uniroyal/Michelin and later served as a nutritionist with the OSU Extension Office, where she continued her passion for helping others until her retirement at the age of 82.

Known for her sass, humor, and radiant personality, Barbara was the glue that held her family together. She loved music, always dreamed of learning piano, and never missed an opportunity to dress up – hair done, makeup on, and outfit just right. She adored her children and grandchildren and found joy in every moment spent with them.

Above all else, Barbara loved God Deeply. Her faith was unwavering, and she often spoke about her greatest hope – to go to Heaven. Her family takes comfort in knowing she's now home, reunited with her daughter Cynthia and the loved ones who went before her.

Her life was a living example of love, faith, and service. She leaves behind a legacy as rich as the meals she made and as warm as her ever-open home.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Merrick Drive. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Craddock Funeral Home.

Luke Rolland, Chad Rolland, Michael Jenson, Jared Jenson, Jackson Gay, Weston Gay, and Cannon Gay will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers are Ryan Farr and Hunter Gay.