Alice "Kathleen" Barham

1928 - 2023

Alice "Kathleen" Barham
April 15, 1928 - June 14, 2023
Wichita, Kansas - Alice "Kathleen" Barham, lifelong resident of Wichita, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the age of 95.
Kathleen was born on April 15, 1928, to Thomas and Lucille (Reeves) Gossett. After graduating from Wichita East High School in 1946, she earned a B.S. in Home Economics from Kansas State University where she was also a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. During the first month of college she met Doran W. Barham on a blind date. Never having eyes for anyone else, they were united in marriage on August 26, 1948. She taught Home Economics for one year while Doran completed his studies. Afterwards they relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where together they raised three children in a home filled with love.
For over 70 years Kathleen was an active member of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church where she participated in women's church circles, served as deacon, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and helped with an after-school program for neighborhood children. Her life centered around faith, family and community.
Kathleen was a devoted mother and an excellent seamstress and cook. She was involved in her children's school activities and helped with PTA. A voracious reader, her love of books helped foster her children's life-long love of reading. Together they made weekly trips to the library. A few good books were always close at hand. She also loved poetry, whether reading, reciting, or creating. A prolific letter-writer, Kathleen was the family "connector" helping relatives stay in touch and abreast of family news. Her letters were long-kept treasures.
After the children left home, she worked for many years at State Farm processing claims. During that time, she and Doran, a well-respected Wichita watercolor artist, loved traveling together across the country while he photographed scenes that inspired many of his paintings. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary while visiting Maine. During this season of life she was also a PEO member, Bible Study Fellowship small group leader, and volunteer for Harry Hynes Hospice and House of Hope, Wichita, Kansas.
In her last years, even with dementia she listened eagerly to books read aloud by family members. She quoted favorite lines of poetry and sang songs to her caregivers. Until the end, music and hymns brought comfort and peace.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jack; husband, Doran; son, Eric; and daughter, Deborah.
She is survived by her daughter, Emily; grandchildren, Cheyenna, Harrison, Zach, and Jessie; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10AM at Central Christian Church's Chapel, 2900 N Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67226. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209 at 2PM.
Memorials have been established with Koinonia Senior Care, 13303 W. Maple #139, PMB#128, Wichita, KS 67235, https://kscare.org/ and Bible Study Fellowship, 19001 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78258, https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/memorials-and-honorarium/
In remembrance of Kathleen, please check out and enjoy a book from your local library.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Barham family.