Leah Barnhard

Leah Barnhard, 71, passed peacefully October 7, 2023. Her life will be celebrated with family and friends on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 10:00 am at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Betty Cohen. She is survived by her husband, William “Barney” Barnhard, of Wichita; daughter, Rachel (Marcus) Whitney of Nashville, TN; son, Adam Barnhard of Denver, CO; sisters, Judy Cohen of Virginia City, NV, Sandy (Brian) McHugh of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Tristan Whitney, Ciaran Whitney; nephews Edward Fonseca Cohen, Jeffrey (Marcia) McHugh, Matthew McHugh, Phillip Harvey Barnhard, niece Emma Barnhard, and dog Callie. Leah grew up in Wewoka, OK. Her love of music led her to study Music Therapy at the University of Kansas where her principal instrument was violin. After several years in occupational therapy at Starkey, she transitioned to a career as an educator, receiving both her Masters in Economics and Doctorate in Business Administration. Leah was a college professor at Newman University for almost 20 years, followed by a decade as the Director of the Wichita Public Library Foundation. She spent her ‘retirement’ teaching at several regional universities and community colleges. Leah had an extraordinary capacity for service and was dedicated to her community. She served in many roles as a volunteer and leader. Leah was as likely to help a friend homeschool, or deliver Meals on Wheels as she was to be in a boardroom for organizations such as the Women for Kansas, or serving as President for her home-away-from-home, Congregation Emanu-El. She took great joy in celebrating with others and was frequently setting up baby showers or b’nei mitzvahs and loved weddings.If you knew her, you know she never met a stranger. You may have sat in the back of a classroom laughing with her, bending a rule or two, and she probably talked you into volunteering for something. She was always up for an adventure, whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, tall ship sailing in Maine, finding something new at the farmer’s market, taking the dogs for a walk, or just catching up at lunch. She loved her family and friends and will be dearly missed.In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Senior Services of Wichita, 200 S. Walnut, Wichita, KS 67213; The Congregation Emanu-El Foundation, 1850 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Wichita, KS 67206.

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