Barbara Nelson

On August 12, 2022, Barbara Nelson passed away at the age of 83. Barbara was born December 17, 1938 in Westmoreland, KS to Alvah and Hazel Flinn. She was the youngest of three children. Her older brothers were Myron and Donald. She went to Laclede School which was a two-room school house. She belonged to the Tannerville 4-H club and was very active. She graduated from Wamego High School in 1956. She was active in school activities and played clarinet in the school band. She married Jack Nelson on May 18, 1959 in Wamego. She lived in Alaska in 1959 when it became a state. Both Douglas and Mark were born in Alaska. She moved to Wichita in 1962 and Bruce was born there. She helped with functions at the boys’ school and was very active with the Boy Scouts and earned the Silver Fawn award. She served on the Wichita Park Board in the 1970’s. She worked at Intrust Bank as a clerk for 24 years. She delivered Meals-on-Wheels and did pharmacy and other deliveries for Harry Hynes Hospice. She worked with the Salvation Army Angel Tree. She went on mission trips to the Dominican Republic where they distributed medical supplies and provided medical services to the local population. She was a Deacon at Westwood Presbyterian Church and helped with many functions at the church. She volunteered at the Botanica. She liked to work outside and grow flowers and had a small garden. She liked to attend music theatre. She was preceded in death by her husband John “Jack” Nelson; son Bruce Nelson, parents Alvah and Hazel Flinn, grandson Dru Nelson, brother Myron (Gladys) Flinn, sister-in-law Lois Flinn and close friend Don Walker. She is survived by her sons Doug (Ann) Nelson of Arvada, CO, Mark Nelson of KCMO, daughter-in-law Debbie Nelson of Spring, TX, grandson Nicholas (Elizabeth) Nelson and two great-granddaughters Rebel and Enna of Poland, ME, brother Donald Flinn of Gladstone, MO and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Memorials have been established with: Botanica, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203; and Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W. Maple St., Wichita, KS 67209. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, August 19, 2022 at Westwood Presbyterian Church. Graveside service will immediately follow the service at Jamesburg Park Memorial Cemetery 1815 N. Tyler Rd. in Wichita. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.