Barbara Sue Collier

Barbara Sue Collier, 94, of Shawnee, KS, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at  Skradski Funeral Home, located at 340 North 6th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101. A private inurnment will take place on Friday, May 16, at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Barbara was born on June 2, 1930, to Steven and Ollie (Bullock) Williams in Erwin, Tennessee. Erwin held a special place in Barbara’s heart throughout her life, it was there she was raised and where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Collier, whom she married on April 19, 1947.

Together, Barbara and Kenneth built a life marked by adventure, raising four children and traveling across the United States and Europe during Kenneth’s military career. Barbara was employed as a Key Punch Operator for both the Civil Service and Farmers Insurance, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic were greatly valued.

Barbara had a quiet strength and a warm, generous spirit. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—reading a good book, crocheting lovingly crafted gifts, preparing home-cooked meals, and, above all, spending time with her family and friends telling stories. She had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel cherished and heard. Her compassion, wisdom, and kindness touched many lives, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Kenneth, her daughter Linda McKay, and daughter-in-law, Barbara Collier. Barbara is survived by her three remaining children: Gail Weber and husband Doug Weber, Keith Collier, and Lea Cromwell, along with her 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Appl Orchard Hospice for the compassionate and attentive care they provided to Barbara in her final days. Also, the family requests that those who attend Barbara’s Celebration of Life to dress colorfully to help in celebrating her beautiful life.