Barbara Ann Larsen (Mckain)

On Friday, February 18, 2022, our loving mother, Barbara Ann McKain Larsen, went to be with her Lord. Barbara was welcomed to life by her parents, Harold L and Mildred Collins McKain, on September 16, 1928, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up in Council Bluffs, graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1946. On April 4, 1948, she married the love of her life, Dale Eugene Larsen.

Dale’s long career with the Burlington Railroad gave them the opportunity to live in several different locations in the U.S. Their moves took them to Deadwood, SD for four years where their daughters Cindy and Debbie were born. They then moved to Independence, MO for three years and then to St. Louis, MO for eight years, where their daughter, Laura, was born. In 1966, they moved on to Columbus, OH, returning to Independence three years later. Their next adventure took them Green Bay, WI for eight years. Following Dale’s retirement, they returned to Independence where they lived for the rest of their lives. In each of their moves, they made life-long friendships.

Barbara was a life-long member of Community of Christ. Her Christian commitment was evidenced in her family life and in her service to others through church and community activities. She volunteered for over 25 years with Independence Meals on Wheels and provided breast cancer support with Reach to Recovery. She generously supported her church and many other charities.

While living in Green Bay, Dale introduced Barbara to golf; they continued playing until his death. She also enjoyed bowling in women’s leagues in both Green Bay and Independence, at times joined by her daughter Debbie.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale (1991), and her brother Harold McKain, Jr. (2022).

She leaves behind her three daughters, Cindy (David) Glandon, Debbie (Steve) Smith, and Laura (Marty Ibarra) Ouderkirk; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Janice (Lane) Morris; all were deeply loved. At a date to be determined, Barbara will be interred, along with her husband Dale, in the Missouri State Veterans’ Cemetery, Higginsville, MO.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the East 39th Community of Christ, 15006 E 39th Street, Independence, MO.

In lieu of flowers/plants, the family suggests expressions of condolence be made in her memory to Independence Meals on Wheels, 409 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050.

On-line condolences may be made at www.speakschapel.com.