- arbara Ann Rieke, 82, longtime resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2017 with her family by her side. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Olathe. Barbara lived the final years of her life afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, in the loving care of Aberdeen Village of Olathe.
She was born to Theron K. and Ethel E. Norton, March 26, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. Barbara enjoyed early childhood summers in the Rhinelander lake country of northern Wisconsin. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and valedictorian from William Howard Taft High School, Chicago, in January 1953.
Barbara was wed to Harold W. Calkins Jr., April 25, 1953. They had three children, Steven H., Jeanne L., and Lee W.
The family moved to Olathe Kansas in 1966, where Barbara resided for the rest of her life. Barbara was a very active participant and volunteer in her community, including PTA, Newcomer’s Club, Holiday Club, and the Johnson County Election Commission. She was President of Xi Delta Delta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Barbara nurtured lifelong friendships and cherished those times, graciously entertaining friends and family, women’s bridge groups, tennis and her beautiful flower gardens.
Barbara enriched the lives of young people seeking college student loans by working at Higher Education Assistance Foundation (HEAF) for many years.
November 29, 1986 she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) L. Rieke. Robert and Barbara enjoyed 30 joyful years together.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jeanne Calkins and her beloved Robert.
She is survived by sons; Steven Calkins (Sheila) of Magnolia, Texas and Lee Calkins (Jean) of Wamego, Kansas. Stepchildren; Jan O’Neal (Mike) of Stanley, Kansas, Greg Rieke (Beth) of Overland Park, Kansas and Robin Neville (Bill) of Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Five Grandchildren, seven step grandkids, five great grandchildren and sister Patricia King (Jim) of St. Louis, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask a donation in Barbara’s name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.mcgilley-frye.com.
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1935 - 2017 (82 Jahre)
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Stiefkinder
