Barbara Roberts

Barbara Jean Roberts, 66, of Independence, MO, passed away, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Truman Lakewood Hospital. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Gudgell Park Community of Christ with visitation to follow. Donations may be made in her name to Outreach International 129 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050 or to Kansas City Hospice 9221 Ward Pkwy, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114. Barbara was born August 5, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY to Charles and Lois (Hampton) Harris. She and her family moved to New Jersey in 1951 and later to Independence in 1958. When she was 10 years old she had a fall and required hip surgery and was on crutches for 4 years and then had a hip replacement. Many problems caused her to have 4 more surgeries. She was in the first graduating class at Truman High School. She went on to graduate from Graceland College. She had worked for the IRS for 11 years until she retired with a disability. She was an accomplished violinist and pianist and had played for several years with the Independence Symphony. Barbara married her longtime friend, Donald Roberts who passed away in 2012. Barbara has been in nursing care for the last part of her life. She is survived by; her parents, Charles and Lois Harris of Independence, MO; a sister, Bonnie Hudson and her husband Jim of Highland Ranch CO; 2 brothers, Don Harris and wife Jenny of Lee’s Summit, MO and Charles Harris and wife Shannon of The Villages, FL and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara had a strong faith in God and his son Jesus Christ and loved attending her church, Gudgell Park Community of Christ. She will be missed. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)