Dixie Barenklau

Dixie Margaret Barenklau, 71, of Paola, Kansas passed away October 9, 2012 at Life Care Center of Osawatomie, Kansas. Dixie was born June 1, 1941 in Paola, Kansas, the youngest of four children to Robert Harley and Alice Elizabeth Buchanan. She attended grade school and high school in Paola. In 1958, she married Leslie Ruddell of Wellsville, Kansas. They became the parents of two children, Viva Diane and Bradley Scott. On May 3, 1963, she married Gerald Barenklau. They became the parents of two children Kimberly Ann and Robert Shane. She loved children and had a daycare in her home for 21 years. After retiring, she cared for two of her grandchildren Haley and Chase Barenklau. She enjoyed traveling, attending her children's sporting events and spending time with her family. She was very proud of her children, but her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Robert Henry, adopted brother Col. Paul Joseph, granddaughter Samantha Ruddell. Survivors include her husband Gerald; children Viva Ruddell Dix (John) of Jerome, MO, Kimberly Barenklau of Olathe, KS, Robert Barenklau (Amy) of Paola, KS, and Bradley Ruddell (Kathy) of Greenwood, MO; sister Bonnie Ferment of MO; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Miami County Cancer Foundation. Osawatomie Cemetery, 30530 W. 327, Osawatomie, KS Service: Graveside Services Monday, October 15, 2012 at 2:00 PM Visitation: Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM