Barbara Eileen Sandberg

Barbara Eileen (Walters) Sandberg, 81, of Olathe, went home to heaven January 18, 2024 at Olathe Medical Center.

She was born on November 5, 1942 to Harley and Evelyn (Doolittle) Walters in Gardner, KS. She was the oldest of four. She graduated from Olathe High School in 1960. During her High School years she loved singing in Chorale and went to State competition. Over the years she was very active in planning many class reunions.

Barbara worked as a telephone operator and clerk for a large telephone company for over 25 years, until she retired in 1994. She also had several part-time jobs to supplement income as a single mother to include working as a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Olathe and the Auto Beauty Shop.

In October 1973, she married Richard D. Sandberg and together with her 3 children and his 3 sons became a family. They were married 46 years, prior to Richard's passing in January 2020. She was a long time Olathe resident until moving to Paola in 2005.

She and Richard loved to travel. They were part of the Buick Club and showed their antique 1952, she was called "Ruby J." in many shows around the country. She worked alongside Richard on various Old Settler's activities. She and Richard enjoyed several long trips on their motorcycle. She was an active member of her local church, and sang in the choir.

She spent most of the last four years at Benton House where she enjoyed meeting new friends, learning how to play bridge and enjoyed playing BINGO!

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Harley and Evelyn Walters, Brother Daryl Walters and son Brannon Gilliland. Barbara is survived by her loving children, daughters Nancy (Gilliland) McConnell (David) and Linda (Gilliland) Hudson (Shawn), and her step-sons, Richard L. Sandberg (Marilyn), Jerry Sandberg (Sharon) and David Sandberg (MaryJo). Barbara had 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel at 9:30 AM Friday January 26, 2024, 14275 South Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Funeral service to follow at this location. Interment will be at Oak Lawn Memorial of Olathe. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Olathe Hospice House, 15310 South Marion Street Olathe, Kansas 66061.

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