Barbara E. Wallace, 80, of McPherson, KS, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, at her vacation home in Dubois, WY.
Barbara was born on February 14, 1943, at the Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of James and Ruth (Gordon) Benson. She spent her earlier years in Russellville, MO, attending school and enjoying summers with her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She either attended the Church of Christ there in Russellville or in Kansas City, KS. Following graduation from Wyandotte High School (Kansas City, KS) in 1961, she began working as a secretary for a local business.
On July 26, 1968, Barbara married Larry Roland Wallace in Kansas City, MO. Larry had a daughter, Kimberly, and Barbara welcomed her with open arms. At this time, Larry was the general manager for Gene Cable Chevrolet. On March 3, 1974, Larry and Barbara were blessed with the birth of their son, Chris. The family lived in the Kansas City area until April 1978, when they moved to McPherson, KS and purchased Turner Chevrolet, which would later become Wallace Chevrolet-Oldsmobile, Inc.
Larry and Barbara enjoyed traveling together. They visited many places in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Canada, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. They also made many trips to Kansas City, Nevada, Missouri, and Colorado Springs to visit family.
Barbara enjoyed fishing with Larry, working puzzles, and bird watching, having marked many pages in her bird book. Barbara and Larry purchased their vacation home in Dubois, WY, and soon, the mountains became her favorite place to be. She had numerous hummingbird feeders out and enjoyed watching deer in their yard.
Her pride and joy were her six grandchildren, Megan, Eric, Tiffany, Trisha, Alayna, and Hayden. She loved spending time with them and attending their many activities. She even had a separate grandchildren calendar just to record all their activities, never wanting to miss an event. She enjoyed playing games with them. Some of the favorite games were Pitch, Stinko, and Solitaire. As the grandchildren got older, she would wait by the phone for their calls.
Barbara especially enjoyed Christmas eve, breaking out the Christmas carol books and singing with the family. Watching the grandchildren perform and open presents was a special highlight of hers. Her family would insist on Thanksgiving and Christmas be at her house every year as she was known for her “silver trays” full of various sides to go with the turkey and ham.
Attending her P.E.O. Chapter HI meetings, swimming with the neighbors, attending McPherson Opera House shows, and getting her hair done were some of her other favorites. A memorable evening at the McPherson Opera House was meeting and visiting with Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. She even had her picture taken with them.
Barbara loved God and was a member of McPherson Church of Christ.
Survivors include: children, Kimberly (Evan) McHugh of Knoxville, TN and Chris (Catrina) Wallace of Moundridge, KS; and six grandchildren, Megan McHugh of the Netherlands, Eric McHugh of Knoxville, TN, Tiffany McChesney of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Trisha McHugh of Indianapolis, IN, Alayna Wallace of Kansas City, MO, and Hayden Wallace of Moundridge, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Linda Maurer and Gordon Benson.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Friday, July 28, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at McPherson Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) for the Larry Wallace Nursing Scholarship Fund, McPherson church of Christ Scholarship Fund, or the McPherson Opera House in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.