Barbara Jean Dole

Barbara was born on May 27, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Ruth and Henry Werfelman. The youngest of three daughters, Barbara spent her early years in Hutchinson, Kansas. She later moved with her family to a farm in Burrton, Kansas, where she enjoyed all of the charms of a small town in the Kansas Heartland.

It was during her years at Burrton that Barbara met the love of her life, Stan Dole. She also formed many other lifelong friendships. Barbara was active in choir, drama, 4-H, and the pep club. Additionally, for a brief time, she played the trombone, which she laughed about right up until the end.

Barb and her husband Stan were married in 1953, and welcomed their first child, a son, Randy, shortly thereafter in 1954. Their daughter, Michelle, arrived in time to complete the family 3 1/2 years later in the fall of 1957.

Barb and Stan were blessed to enjoy 41 years of marriage until Stan was called home to be with the Lord in 1994. Their time together on this earth overflowed with an abundance of love and grace, fun and adventure. Together they chose to build their life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, and as a result they were blessed beyond measure. The family now takes great comfort in knowing that Barb and Stan are at last reunited, in their eternal home with the Lord.

Barbara lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and service to others. Barbara’s love for God and for others was a joy to behold. She lived each day with great love and compassion for her family, friends and strangers alike. There was nothing that Barb would not do to help you in your time of need, and she would do so without hesitation, or any desire for praise or recognition for herself.

There were so many highlights in Barbara’s life that brought her great joy. She loved the long rewarding career she had working at IMA as the personal insurance department manager and handling new business. Barb knew the insurance business inside and out and was a great teacher. After her retirement from IMA in 2000, she stayed in close contact with her dear friends from IMA and they were like family to her.

Barb’s retirement afforded her the opportunity to travel and to spend countless hours of quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren over the years, as well as treasured time with her dear friends near and far.

Barbara was a magnificent cook and baker. She treated friends and family to five star dining experiences in her home as often as she could. She enjoyed sharing tricks of the trade from her kitchen with her grandchildren, and was sure to share with them her secrets for making the worlds best pies, homemade peach ice cream, and an assortment of beloved Christmas cookie recipes. The family treasures the many traditions that they shared with Barbara, and look forward to continuing those traditions in her memory.

Barbara’s church family has been such an important part of her life throughout the years. She and Stan had such precious time at the First Baptist Church in Augusta where Barbara served as a high school youth group leader and Stan was the youth director. She and Stan also had wonderful years at Tyler Road Baptist Church in Wichita and Barbara‘s last 25+ years at Immanuel Baptist Church were a great blessing to her where she had so many precious, kind and loyal friends and pastors. She loved learning about the Lord in her life group and morning Bible study group and enjoyed all the sweet fellowship with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Barbara also loved her time living at Georgetown Independent Living. It was such a precious community to her, and she treasured each and every one of her friends. It was a very happy chapter of her life filled with fun, fellowship, bingo, bridge games, and Bible study.

Barbara loved her family dearly and treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as her beloved nieces and their families. Her family always knew she was there for them and would do anything she could to help them and was always praying for them.

She was a blessing to so many people during her time here with us. She will be vividly remembered, loved, and appreciated forever.

A gifted storyteller, Barbara was able to preserve her memories in the form of a written book towards the end of her life, leaving behind a treasured legacy for her family. She was extremely grateful to her beloved grandson-in-law, John Mevey, for providing her an opportunity to write her memories down and for helping her to successfully complete the project. A copy of Barbara’s book can be made available upon request.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John Stanley Dole; and sisters, Vera Bloomer and Velma Sprague. Survivors include her son, Randall Dole (Teresa); daughter, Michelle Rorabaugh (Jeff); grandchildren, Jeanene Dole, Chelsea Mevey (John), Steven Dole, and Courtney Rorabaugh; and great-grandchildren, Milani Bush, Meadow Mevey, and Johnny Mevey.

Visitation with family present will be held from 2-4 pm, Sunday, August 24, at Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway. Celebration of Life Service, 1 pm, Monday, August 25, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka. Burial will follow at 3:30 pm, Burrton Cemetery, Burrton, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made to either Compassion International or Immanuel Baptist Church. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.