Barbara Suzanne “Barb” Kelley, 83, of Florissant, MO., passed away peacefully on June 25 2025, at Delmar Gardens in Chesterfield after a courageous battle with vascular disease. Barb was born on October 21, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, beloved daughter of the late Robert and Mercedes Koenig.
A spirited and determined redhead, Barb enjoyed a remarkable career at Trans World Airlines spanning 25 years. In the 1960s, she guided notable figures through LAX airport. Following a pause to raise her family with former husband James E. McClung Jr. Barb resumed airline work with TWA in 1976, in reservations, then becoming an airline agent at STL International Airport. She had a passion for people , and helped passengers out anyway she could.

Family meant everything to Barb. She devoted herself fully to caring for her parents in their senior years, she also cared for and spent time with all her nieces, nephews and grandchildren watching them grow up. Barb lovingly crocheted afghans and scarves, sang and played piano, and passionately supported the Florissant Police Department alongside husband Joe Kelley. Together, they frequented Meyers Restaurant in Florissant, enjoying good meals, drink and conversations with life long friends.

Barb is survived by her sister, Kathy (Donald) Kues; children, Mary (Mark) McClung Smith and James (Kerry) McClung , her nieces and nephews, their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her beloved exchange-student “son,” Eduardo Terrón; and extended family in Spain. She was preceded in death by husband Joseph Kelley , her brothers Ken Koenig and Robert Koenig Jr.

Barb’s love, determination, and lively spirit will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.