Barb tragically died from an automobile accident on U S 69 Hwy., (the old two lane U S 69 Hwy. which is now the east frontage road called Umphenour Rd.) that happened approximately 2 miles north of Pleasanton, KS. at 2:45pm on Friday, October 26, 1973 on her way back home from Kansas State College at Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University). She was rushed by ambulance to Mercy hospital (the old Mercy hospital which has since been torn down) in Fort Scott, KS. where she died at 5:05pm. Two other students, (Stephen E. Blake of Shawnee, KS and Kathryn (Kathy) J. Gallagher of Hallowell, KS.) in the car she was riding in were also killed. You may read an article about the accident in the evening edition of the Kansas City Star dated Saturday, October 27, 1973 on page 2A, (note: this article is not very accurate). Her orbituary can also be found in the Kansas City Star on Sunday, October 28, 1973 on page 40A. Both of these articles can be viewed on microfilm at the Johnson County Library. Another article about the accident (which is more accurate on the location and also is more detailed and has a picture) can be found in the Thursday, November 1, 1973 Pleasanton Observer on page 1A. That article can be viewed on microfilm at the Linn County Historical Museum and Genealogy Library in Pleasanton, KS. I also have a copy of the accident report that was done by the Kansas Highway Patrol and much more if anyone would like more information about the accident or the exact location of the accident. You may contact me at 913-782-8647. The site of the accident has been marked from information taken from the accident report and a nearby resident who remembers the accident very well. Barb was such a very sweet and beautiful young woman. Her life was taken way to early. As the previous poster stated, she is still missed today.
Barb would stop to talk to me anytime she saw me. I will always remember her wonderful smile. I was in shock, when a friend told me about her death, the following weekend. She made a great impression on a lot of her classmates lives, including mine.
My wife and I were friends and classmate to Kathy Gallagher, one of the other victims in the tragic accident that took Barb also. Kathy was such a nice young lady and well liked. Sadly missed by remembered.
Wow, I have so many great memories with Barb! I know that she believed in reincarnation, so I like to think she returns now and then, in some form, just to say hi.
I always considered Barbara a friend. I vividly remember sitting next to her in College Algebra/Trig our senior year. She always had a smile to give and had a very kind and gentle spirit.
Barb was a beautiful person inside and out. Her death was a huge loss for so many. Her personnality was great. She liked everyone and was a very kind and caring person. I miss her a lot.
I remember when I heard about Barb's accident and that she had passed, a feelling of numbness came over me. I could not understand how someone so vibrant and so loving could be gone just like that!! My heart hurt, I loved her and I know so many other people did also. She was a kind, loving, free spirit. I along with many others miss her and her beautiful soul.
I was so utterly shocked when I heard of Barb's passing, years ago....... I've thought of her often through the years. We were close friends in middle school, and she invited me into her home. I was so awkward at that time in my life and she embraced me fully. She was SO full of light, love, and joy, and such an example for others of how to live fully. I've never forgotten her or the ball of light that she was. I like to think she is still shining, wherever she is, and whatever she is doing. It was such an honor and blessing to have known her. Some may not know she had a pet monkey. I was so surprised, but what a delight to have shared in that with her. 😂 We can all shine our lights brighter in honor of her memory.🌼🌟>p>
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Timothy Golba (Class Of '72)
Barb tragically died from an automobile accident on U S 69 Hwy., (the old two lane U S 69 Hwy. which is now the east frontage road called Umphenour Rd.) that happened approximately 2 miles north of Pleasanton, KS. at 2:45pm on Friday, October 26, 1973 on her way back home from Kansas State College at Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University). She was rushed by ambulance to Mercy hospital (the old Mercy hospital which has since been torn down) in Fort Scott, KS. where she died at 5:05pm. Two other students, (Stephen E. Blake of Shawnee, KS and Kathryn (Kathy) J. Gallagher of Hallowell, KS.) in the car she was riding in were also killed. You may read an article about the accident in the evening edition of the Kansas City Star dated Saturday, October 27, 1973 on page 2A, (note: this article is not very accurate). Her orbituary can also be found in the Kansas City Star on Sunday, October 28, 1973 on page 40A. Both of these articles can be viewed on microfilm at the Johnson County Library. Another article about the accident (which is more accurate on the location and also is more detailed and has a picture) can be found in the Thursday, November 1, 1973 Pleasanton Observer on page 1A. That article can be viewed on microfilm at the Linn County Historical Museum and Genealogy Library in Pleasanton, KS. I also have a copy of the accident report that was done by the Kansas Highway Patrol and much more if anyone would like more information about the accident or the exact location of the accident. You may contact me at 913-782-8647. The site of the accident has been marked from information taken from the accident report and a nearby resident who remembers the accident very well. Barb was such a very sweet and beautiful young woman. Her life was taken way to early. As the previous poster stated, she is still missed today.
Stephen Moser
Steve Moser, class of '73
Barb would stop to talk to me anytime she saw me. I will always remember her wonderful smile. I was in shock, when a friend told me about her death, the following weekend. She made a great impression on a lot of her classmates lives, including mine.
I will always remember you, Steve
Vicki Roberts
From David Tinney:
My wife and I were friends and classmate to Kathy Gallagher, one of the other victims in the tragic accident that took Barb also. Kathy was such a nice young lady and well liked. Sadly missed by remembered.
David
CUHS, Columbus Ks
Steve Shea
What a wonderful woman and individual. An incredible chapter in my life that came to an unfortunate end. She will never be forgotten.
Pamela Russell (Russell)
Wow, I have so many great memories with Barb! I know that she believed in reincarnation, so I like to think she returns now and then, in some form, just to say hi.
Michael VAN Walleghem (VAN Walleghem)
To this day I'm hanted by the anguish in Steve's mom's face.
MVW
Greg Loveless
I always considered Barbara a friend. I vividly remember sitting next to her in College Algebra/Trig our senior year. She always had a smile to give and had a very kind and gentle spirit.
Marsha McDaniel (Rametta)
Barb was a beautiful person inside and out. Her death was a huge loss for so many. Her personnality was great. She liked everyone and was a very kind and caring person. I miss her a lot.Donna Johnson (Seitz)
I remember when I heard about Barb's accident and that she had passed, a feelling of numbness came over me. I could not understand how someone so vibrant and so loving could be gone just like that!! My heart hurt, I loved her and I know so many other people did also. She was a kind, loving, free spirit. I along with many others miss her and her beautiful soul.
Carol Plumlee (Herbst)
I was so utterly shocked when I heard of Barb's passing, years ago....... I've thought of her often through the years. We were close friends in middle school, and she invited me into her home. I was so awkward at that time in my life and she embraced me fully. She was SO full of light, love, and joy, and such an example for others of how to live fully. I've never forgotten her or the ball of light that she was. I like to think she is still shining, wherever she is, and whatever she is doing. It was such an honor and blessing to have known her. Some may not know she had a pet monkey. I was so surprised, but what a delight to have shared in that with her. 😂 We can all shine our lights brighter in honor of her memory.🌼🌟>p>