Barbara Walters

Barbara Ann Walters, 90, Paola, Kansas, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, May 20, 2019 surrounded by her family at Olathe Health Hospice House, Olathe, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Elm Grove Baptist Church, care of Elm Grove Baptist Church, 15375 West 247th Street, Paola, Kansas 66071 Barbara was born April 20, 1929 on the family homestead in Merriam, Kansas. She was one of three children born to Burl and Vera Boswell Howell. Barbara went to South Park Grade School thru 7th grade in Merriam, KS., She started school when she was 5 but went to first grade. Back in those days they didn’t have kindergarten. After moving to Paola, her 8th grade year she went to Lone Star Country School. She only went to school for 8 months because farms kids had to go work on their farms. She graduated from 8th grade in May 1942. Barbara went to Wellsville High School her freshman year and Paola High School her sophomore year. But she did not get to complete it in Paola. During the school year her family moved back to Merriam, KS, where she graduated from Argentine High School at age 17, in May 1946 Shortly after graduating in September she got her first job at Morgan Optical Co., working as a bookkeeper. She rode the bus to and from work. She made $.50 an hour. On September 8, 1947, she was untied in marriage to Ivan Walters in Kansas City, Kansas and together they became the proud parents of 4 children, Daniel Lee Walters (Mickey Hammond) of Joplin, Missouri; David Lynn Walters of Joplin, Missouri; Debra Lorraine Walters Hurst (Randall) of Bartonville, Illinois; Stacey Ann Walters Weaver (Jerry) of Paola, Kansas. After their marriage they made their home on a farm east of Paola. Barbara was a beautician for LaRose Hair Salon. She was active member of the Elm Grove Baptist Church in Chiles, Kansas. She took great enjoyment from the church and her weekly bible study which was a source of inspiration and hope for her. She was a loyal KC Royals, KC Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks fan. Preceding her in death are her beloved husband Ivan; her parents, Burl and Vera; brother, Robert Howell; sister, Shirley (Tyke) Hufford; and a great-great granddaughter. She leaves behind to cherish her memory 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host nieces and nephews and friends all of whom will miss her deeply. To share your memories of Barbara or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the Share Memory box.