Jean M. Barber was born May 3, 1930 in Oak Park, Illinois daughter of Earl B. "Jack" and Alice Rose (McColloch) Dressler.  Jeannie graduated Valedictorian from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri.  She furthered her education at the University of Kansas, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1951.

On April 8, 1951, Jeannie was united in marriage with Richard P. Barber in Lawrence, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three children:  Deborah, Marjorie and Chester.  They made their home in Anthony where they became faithful members of the Grace Episcopal Church.

Jeannie spent the majority of her life as a homemaker.  After Richard passed away, she worked in special education caring for Matthew Whisman and also for the Census Bureau.  She will be remembered most for the years she spent teaching swimming lessons and working as a lifeguard at the Anthony pool.

While at KU, Jeannie followed in her mother's footsteps joining Pi Beta Phi Sorority.  In later years, Deborah and Marjorie joined becoming third generation members.  Jeannie was also active in Phi Beta Kappa, Welcome Wagon, Tip Top 4-H Club, Balloonfest, Girl Scouts, Anthony Tree Board and many other community organizations throughout the years.

Jeannie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother-her family always coming first. She was strong, honest, steadfast, set in her ways, and a hard worker.  She will be remembered by many for her memorable loud approach to life, her love of animals, Bryce's tomato patch and mashed potatoes.

On December 3, 2020, Jeannie passed away at Patterson Health Center at the age of 90.  She was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Jack Dressler; and daughter, Dr. Deborah Barber-Axthelm.

Jeannie will be deeply missed by her son, Chet Barber and wife, Carol; daughter, Marjorie Bremer and husband, DJ; grandchildren: Dr. Isaac Barber-Axthelm and wife, Valerie, Aaron Barber-Axthelm and wife Trisha, Stephanie Rausch and husband, Lee, Brenden Osborn and wife, Dianna, and Bryce Osborn; great-grandchildren:  Seth Rausch, Skyler Rausch, Bryson Osborn, Arron Osborn, and Katie Osborn; great-great granddaughter, Bayleigh Rausch; other relatives and many friends.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Friends may sign Jeannie's register book and watch a video tribute of her life from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10th at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony. The video tribute is also available for friends to watch on her obituary page at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com.  Jeannie's wishes were to be cremated.

Memorials in memory of Jeannie may be made to Obadiah's Pantry or the Kansas Humane Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.