Barabara Bennett Villarreal, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister,

aunt, and beloved friend of many, quickly passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday, February

18, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Refugio ‘Rufus’ J. Villarreal; loving

children Allan Howze (Darren DeMatoff) of Chicago and SherrySparks of Crossville; beloved

sister Faye Burrell (Fred); grandson Harley Gilbert (Molly) and great-grandchildren Marley

and Jonathan of Greenwood, MS. She is preceded in death by her cherished brother Billy

Mitchell, father Ado Bennett,stepmother Mary Lou Bennett, mother Viola Orsborn Bennett, and

numerous family members around Winona, MS.Love was the central theme to Barbara’s life.

Her love of nature energized her. Spending the day working in her garden,visiting a nearby

waterfall, or admiring a state park made her equally happy. If the weather allowed and she was

outside(and many times inside), she would be waving to her many friends as they drove by. Her

love of people and her deep friendships created profound community that brought joy and

laughter to those in her universe. Her impact was felt everywhere she went, extending far

beyond Tennessee. Her love of the bible and inspirational passages guided her and

were spread to everyone she touched. Her absence leaves a void in this world, but her legacy

will continue for many lifetimes.

Barabara was cremated on February 21, 2025. Her ashes will be mixed with her loving

husband’s ashes and spread upon the beautiful landscape of the Tennessee mountains in the

future.

Memorial Services will be held at Cumberland Mountain State Park on Saturday May 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM