Barbara Myers McNeill

Barbara Myers McNeill, a devoted mother, grandmother, and education advocate, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 80.

Born on May 30, 1945, Barbara grew up along the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland. She earned her degree from Towson University and began a career in teaching, driven by her passion for nurturing young minds. She later met the love of her life, Bruce, and together they built a home filled with warmth and learning.

Barbara and Bruce eventually moved to Arkansas, where they owned and operated a lake resort while raising their three children. It was a time marked by hard work, deep connection, and cherished family memories.

In her later years, Barbara relocated to the Kansas City area to be closer to her children and lovingly helped raise her grandchildren. A devoted Gramma, she found great joy in caring for them and watching them grow. In her free time, she cultivated a garden full of vibrant plants that reflected her nurturing spirit—full of life, color, and beauty.

Barbara remained committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. She volunteered actively with the Kansas City chapter of the American Association of University Women and gave her time and energy to her parish, the Catholic Church of St. Therese.

Barbara is survived by her beloved children, Candace Cole, Alexis Stone, and Philip McNeill; her sons-in-law Michael Cole and Isaac Stone; her treasured grandchildren, Reece, Katie, Emma, Elias, and Mila; her dear siblings, Earle Myers and Joanne Myers and sister-in-law Dorothy Myers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bruce McNeill, whose love and memory remained ever present in her life.

As we celebrate Barbara’s remarkable life and the many contributions she made to her family and community, we honor her spirit of compassion, resilience, and kindness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.