Barbara Ann Kemberling

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Barbara Ann Kemberling, 74, Lawrence, passed away March 23, 2019 at home with her loving daughter’s by her side. Barbara was born in Logansport, IN to Cedric and Edna (Lottman) Shields on October 19, 1944. They moved to Los Angeles, CA where Barbara attended David Starr Jordan High and Long Beach City College.

In 1980 she moved to Eudora, KS with her husband and two daughters. She enjoyed working with the faculty and students at Nottingham Elementary. She later earned a Bachelor’s of Business from Baker University, and was proud to be the first person in her family to receive a college degree. Barbara then worked in the construction and real estate industries in Lawrence, KS. She worked selflessly for both her employers and the customers she served, and was a highly regarded property manager.

She was a lover of arts and regularly attended theater performances in both Lawrence and Kansas City, and was a longtime volunteer at the Lied Center. She loved supporting local artists and their works. She was always there for anyone who asked for her assistance; as well as the more than twenty homeless cats she cared for over her lifetime.

She was a generous, kind and loving friend and mother. She is survived by her two daughters, Charmaine Kemberling and Shawn Kelley, grandsons Croix and Jax Kelley as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.

The picture was taken by her brother-in-law, James Mercer. It embodies the Beauty of her Spirit, her love of the ocean and inspired this quote: “We are tied to the Ocean. And when we go back to the Sea, whether it is to sail or to watch we are going back to where we came.” John F Kennedy. The best memorial is to live and love as much and as often as possible. Go out into your community and find a need and lovingly fill it. Barbara certainly did! If you feel the urge to contribute, please consider the Lawrence Humane Society. Memorial contributions may be made in her name and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by many.

13 Condolences

  1. James Mercer on March 29, 2019 at 7:26 pm

    She will be missed! Sorry we were not able to get together more over the years! It was great to see her at her Sister, Patti’s, services in March 2016! God bless you all! Much love, James M.



  2. Ramona Kemberling on March 30, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    Dennis and I are sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She sounds like a wonderful woman. Hope you find peace in knowing that she was greatly loved.



  3. Sheila Parrish Selby on March 30, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    I am thankful for the great memories I have if our growing up years. We also had great times driving to California. I will miss her. Charmaine and Shawn my prayers are with you.



  4. Bob and Vickie Dingman on March 30, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Our deepest sympathies to Barbara’s family.



  5. Teresa Rasing on March 30, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    I really didn’t know her but I know one of her daughters, Charmane, a wonderful person who cared for her mother totally, there for much at the last especially, I also know her adorable two grandsons, so smart, she must have been lovely, these who I know are living proof
    My love to all



  6. Kathy on March 30, 2019 at 6:47 pm

    Shawn and Charmaine,

    Jerry and I are so sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts…warmly.

    Kath and Jer



  7. Pam Hall on March 30, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    Deepest condolences from Starl Hall family



  8. Cali on March 30, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    Barbara will be missed dearly. Her love for you two, her grandbabies, the four leggeds (especially the kitty cats) was overflowing. Sending so much love your way.



  9. Sue Kapfer on March 30, 2019 at 10:59 pm

    Charmaine and Shawn,
    Nothing we say will lessen the pain you’re feeling but please know we are thinking about you and all those who loved your mother. I only met her a handful of times, but I know she had to have been a wonderful woman to have raised two beautiful, strong women like yourselves.
    George & Sue Kapfer



  10. Stacey Leslie on March 31, 2019 at 8:02 am

    I knew your mother through work. I always enjoyed listening to her stories of California and her four-legged kids. She just lit up when talking about Croix and Jax. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Treasure the wonderful memories. She will be missed.



  11. Sue and Dick Ashcraft on March 31, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Charmaine and Shawn, Dick and I are so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. We have lovely memories of times spent with her and you, too. She was a wonderful mom and friend. OXOXOX. The Ashcrafts



  12. Gina on April 1, 2019 at 6:44 am

    A beautiful woman and tribute to her. Take good care of yourselves.
    Love,
    Gina



  13. Lopez family on April 1, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    Barbara you will be truly missed thank you for everything that you have done for us.
    Lopez family



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