Barbara Jean Rhorer, 78, died August 8, 2021, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. She was born December 16, 1942, in Spearville, Kansas to Elmer and Florence (Haag) Kirkbride.
Barbara graduated from Kinsley High School in 1960. She often shared stories from her childhood and was quick to recollect how hard her parents worked to ensure the comfort of their children. Barbara fondly remembered the large family garden, her mother’s delicious cooking and canning, and the times she and her sisters would lock the neighborhood boys in the chicken coop.
She worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell and AT&T but found her true career calling operating a daycare in her home. Barbara truly loved all of her daycare children and considered them her “bonus” grandchildren. Barbara poured endless energy into fostering the growth and development of the children in her care, including birthday celebrations and frequent outings to parks and attractions around Hutchinson. She maintained contact with nearly all her daycare kids, continuing to celebrate in their accomplishments, and watching some become parents themselves.
On October 10, 1970, she married Stephen Rhorer in Hutchinson, Kansas after falling in love on a blind date. Before the date, Barbara’s friend described Steve as “big, hairy and kind of different”, but despite the unflattering introduction, it was always apparent the two were a perfect pair. The real highlights of Barbara’s life included the birth of her children and grandchildren. The family enjoyed many vacations, and not a day passed without love and laughter in the home. Barbara and Steve shared almost 51 years of marriage.
One of Barbara’s greatest talents was making each and every person feel loved. At every holiday and event, she would tirelessly work to decorate and give each person what they truly wanted, no matter how obscure. Barbara was a voracious reader, an avid KU Basketball fan, and a skilled seamstress. She hand-crafted beautiful aprons and embroidered tea towels, and even ventured to make impressive clothing and costumes for her kids and grandkids.
There are countless ways that Barbara will be missed, but we hope you’ll celebrate her life by finding joy in the simple pleasures: the warm colors of autumn leaves, the perfect gift with gorgeous wrapping, and of course her favorite sound of all, the blissful laughter of children.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Stephen Rhorer of Hutchinson; son, Kirk Rhorer (Patti Beedles) of Lawrence; daughter, Stephanie Rhorer (Chad King) of Hutchinson; sister, Kathy Kirkbride of Kinsley; and grandchildren, Patience Westby, Jade Anderson, and Isla Beedles-Rhorer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Florence Kirkbride; and siblings, Phyllis Angel, Melvin Kirkbride, Nancy Strawn, Jane Corwin, Luenetta Erdman, and Patricia Kirkbride.
Celebration of Life for Barbara will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Public Library or the Dillon Nature Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.