Barbara O'Sullivan

October 19, 1926 ~ April 26, 2024
Barbara O'Sullivan, 97, died Friday, April 26, 2024.Rosary will be at 6:30 pm, Monday, April 29, 2024; Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, both at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church. Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 pm at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Newton.Barbara was raised on a Kansas dairy and wheat farm during the Great Depression, where she learned the value of hard work, compassion and how to drive a tractor. After completing high school she enjoyed the life of a single working girl in Topeka. She was a teletype operator for the Santa Fe railroad on the night shift during WWII and the early 1950s. After meeting and marrying her husband Bill, they settled in Wichita where she lived the rest of her life.Barbara was a people person and would strike up a conversation with anyone. While raising their 5 children she held a variety of jobs, including as a teacher at the old Institute of Logopedics and as a receptionist at dental and medical offices. This work outside the home provided Barbara with the opportunity for social interactions which she treasured.In retirement Barbara found great happiness in her family and was kept busy doting on and traveling with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and her older sister Lorraine became pugnacious bridge partners and in her 80’s Barbara developed into an ardent WSU basketball fan, holding season tickets until she was unable to safely navigate the steep steps at Koch Arena. She was an accomplished listener of music, and went to two live Eagles and one Chicago concert late in her life.The Church played a prominent role in Barbara’s life. She and Bill were among the founding members of the Church of the Resurrection and remained as parishioners throughout the rest of their lives. She valued her time volunteering as a parish office assistant and was an active member of the Altar Society and Over 50’s group. In addition she was an active member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary and volunteer in their gift shop. She found her forever home when she moved into her duplex at Shepherds Crossing, where she discovered a new “posse” of friends and card players. Finally, Barbara found tremendous solace in her faith. It was the foundation of her spiritual and physical life and sustained her through many challenges.Preceded in death by her husband, William O'Sullivan; parents, Frank and Mary Vetter. Survived by her sons, Frank (Hattie Gresham) O'Sullivan of Albuquerque, NM, Tim (Melissa) O'Sullivan of Tulsa, OK, William (Abigail) O'Sullivan of Columbia, MO; daughters, Terri (Mick) Norris of Monument, CO, Kathleen (Tom) Dare of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Erica, Emily, Ryan, Madeline, Kelley, Thomas, Zachary, Cooper, Sloan; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Sommers of Wichita, KS.In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill St. #403, Wichita, KS 67206; Shepherd’s Crossing at The Catholic Care Center, 6700 E. 45th St. N., Bel Aire, KS 67226. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
A true friend and neighbor shared many visits,meals at the landing, Party’s at special occasions here In Shepherd’s Crossing.
Beautiful, beautiful lady.
Patricia Herman
May this tree grow and thrive, a living memorial to Barbara’s well-lived life and a reminder of God’s LOVE that unites us all in Christ. Amen.
BARBARA was my neighbor here at Shepherds Crossing. For twelve year I had the pleasure to know, love, cherish and care about this sweet, strong lady. I will not only miss her but I will miss her entire family. Barbara was loved by many.
Connie Schlatter
We have many fond memories of Barbara, including her deep faith and sense of humor, at Resurrection Catholic Church. It was a delight to see her at Shocker basketball games and to share the good times with her.
Kelley,Planting a tree in remembrance of your grandmother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With this tree she will live on.
Tim,Melissa and famiy,
I was sorry to read of your mothers passing. Her obituary is:a nice tribute to her. I hope you find peace in knowing she went from much hard work to great rewards. Thought and prayers.
Fondly, Shirley Segerhammar