Barbara Jean (Freeman) Harnden , 84, passed away July 31, 2013, in Liberal, Kansas. Barbara will always be remembered by her family and friends for spending much of her time in caring for others. There were no limits on what she would do for her family and friends. She enjoyed watching baseball, baking cookies, and playing board games and cards with her Liberal grandkids. Her grandchildren from Wichita loved spending a week individually with their grandmother each summer when they were growing up and visiting the library and pet shop every day, and making ceramics that would be entered in the county fair. Barbara enjoyed creating ceramics and has left her family many beautiful reminders of her talent. Barbara was a terrific cook who enjoyed making everyone’s favorite foods. When she had a little time to herself, Barbara was an avid reader. And she loved to laugh. Barbara became afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease many years ago and it robbed her of the ability to speak, read, and her cognitive skills. She received incredible care over several years from her husband of nearly 67 years even after eventually moving to a nursing home. Barbara is survived by her husband, Hugh, her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Freeman, her sons and daughters in law, Ron and Pam and Rick and Ragena, five grandchildren, Aaron, Emily (Tony) Lytle, Ryan, Eric and Rene (Jared) Hightower, and three great-grandchildren, Emerson, Nora, and Jaide. How Barbara would have loved the chance to spend time with those great-grandkids! Her friends and family are so happy Barbara is now released to feel joy, laugh and express herself and is reunited with her family and friends who preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be contributed to the Good Samaritan Center or the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Brenneman Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd St., Liberal, KS 67901. Visitation will be Friday, August 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the family present to greet friends at Brenneman Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Brenneman Funeral Home.
