BarbaraJo McSpadden-Sauer

Barbara Jo McSpadden-Sauer passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She was 85. Barbara was born on March 27,1940 in Houston, Texas to Earl Reed McSpadden, Sr. and Dorothy Suzanne McSpadden. In 1958, she graduated from John H. Reagan High School and after high school she attended the University of Texas, University of Houston and the Savings and Loan Institute. She was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority at the University of Texas.

Barbara had the best of both worlds growing up. Her father was a country boy who enjoyed the ranch life and a mother who was a city girl who always liked to dress nicely and have fancy cars. Her father quickly introduced Barbara to horses and she was riding them before she could even walk. She was one of the original members of The Junior Sheriff’s Mounted Posee and barrel raced in many youth rodeos. Barbara’s family owned Mac’s Dude Ranch which was a fixture in Houston during the early 1950s.

In 1964, she married the love of her life, Donald A. Sauer of Houston. After marrying, they lived on Conrad Sauer in the Spring Branch area as newlyweds. In 1972, they decided to buy a house and settle in northwest Houston in a newly developed subdivision called Norchester. Little did Barbara know that moving there, she would meet lifelong friends and make many wonderful memories. She entertained customers from Don’s employer, was an officer of the Delta Zeta alumnae association and hosted many legendary family Christmas eve parties. She was always up for playing bridge with friends. In 1973, their daughter, Cynthia Lynn (Cindy) was born. She loved watching Cindy and her neighborhood friends grow up in Norchester. Barbara was a kid at heart, so it was no surprise to see her sitting on the floor playing games with the kids or jumping in for a game of hide and seek. Barbara always welcomed Cindy’s friends with open arms and became like a second mom to them.

As Cindy started school and grew up, Barbara began to volunteer at her schools and was very much involved in Cindy’s gymnastics career. She enjoyed traveling all over the United States for gymnastic competitions and was always the one who was counted on to keep scores at meets. Barbara loved watching Cindy do what she loved but was not fond of getting up at 5:00am to make sure Cindy got to the gym on time for practice.

In 1998, after Don retired from Courtney Industries, they moved to April Sound in Montgomery, TX. Leaving the home and friends who were a second family to them was difficult, but it was time to start a new chapter of their lives together. She found another world of friends and activities in April Sound and that was a great new blessing in their lives.

Barbara was truly a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and true friend to so many and she will be dearly missed by all.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Sauer-Chovanec and husband Steven, stepchildren Donna Lemmons, Ken Sauer and wife Melissa, and Glenn Sauer. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Keely Correa and husband David, Cole Sauer and wife Beth, Michael Sauer, Cherokee Sauer, Peyton Chovanec, and 7 beautiful nieces. She was a God mother to Kristin Harlowe-Friesenhahn and Stephen Stoffel.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl Reed McSpadden Sr. (Mac) and Dorothy Hiner-McSpadden, her husband of 60 years, Don Sauer, and brother Earl Reed McSpadden Jr. (Buddy).

The family would like to thank Phoenix Healthcare, Lissette Gonzalez, Danny Salamollahi, and Karla Chavez for providing loving care for Barbara for many years. They were angels to us daily and will always be fondly remembered.

Pallbearers include Brian Eyring, Peyton Chovanec, Cole Sauer, Linda Tongberg, Steve Riley and Ken Sauer. Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Harlowe, Buddy Dilley, Gene Stoffel, Carolyn Stoffel, and Jim Riley.

A visitation will be held at Waltrip Funeral Directors, located at 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, TX 77055, on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery United Church of Christ Cemetery, 9022 Long Point Road, Houston, Texas 77055.