Barbara Ann (Hucke) McMillan, 79, of Parsons, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor. She had been in failing health several years.
She was born February 6, 1940, to Clair E. and Susan (Bamberry) Hucke. She was one of six siblings and grew up in Dennis, where she attended school. She graduated from Labette County Community High School at Altamont in 1958.
On March 7, 1959 Barbara married Bob McMillan in the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Dennis. Barbara and Bob were introduced by co-workers and married after dating for about 10 months. When her father passed away and her mother was moved to a nursing home, Barbara’s teenage brothers, Pat and Gene Hucke, came to live with them.
In 1969, Barbara and Bob were given the opportunity to adopt a cute and delightful brother and sister, John and Anna, ages five and six. With teenagers and elementary children in their home, to their surprise, they had a son, Barry, born in 1971. Barbara said their doctor told them after the adoption he could almost promise a baby would be forthcoming. Bob and Barbara enjoyed 60 years of a wonderful married life together.
Over the years, Barbara and Bob moved several times, remodeling and building, often doing much of the work themselves.
Barbara was a member of the Soroptimist International Club of Parsons and Phi Beta. She enjoyed bowling, square dancing and taking care of her plants and flowers. Barbara always looked forward to traveling. Her favorite travels included her family vacations, Branson, MO and the cruises she went on with Bob. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she dearly loved. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, wanting to spend as much time as possible with them.
Barbara started her working career three days after graduating from high school. First, she joined Kansas Claims in the Parsons office, working there for 13 years. She was hired because she could do over 130 words per minute of shorthand.
Next, she was a co-owner of Mid-States Adjustment, Inc. for 22 years, starting with one office in Parsons and helping grow the business to 14 offices in four different states. She then became co-owner of Superior Claims Services for 12 years. Barbara worked a total of 47 years in the insurance claims adjusting business before retiring in 2005.
At one point in her career she was the only female owner of an independent insurance claims adjusting business in the United States. Barbara was a life member of the Kansas Claims Association, Inc. and served as director.
Survivors include her husband, Bob, of Parsons; her sons, John, of Parsons and Barry and wife Michele, of Lindsborg; grandchildren Clinton Forbes, of Leavenworth, Candace Mead, of Blue Springs, MO, Leticia Forbes, of Kansas City, MO, Elaina McMillan and Keira McMillan, both of Lindsborg; great-grandchildren Garrett Mead, Andrew Forbes, Rylan Mead, Isabella Forbes, Matthew Forbes, Noah Forbes and step granddaughter Layla Geiger; sisters, Clara Sue Rainwater of Tulsa, OK and Laura Jane Hummer, and her husband, Dean of Parsons; brothers William “Bill” J. Hucke, of Tulsa, OK, Pat Hucke, and his wife, Barbara of Parsons and Clair Eugene “Gene” Hucke, and his wife, Debra of Owasso, OK; many nieces and nephews who Barbara loved; and her best friend, Renate Graham.
Preceding her in death were her parents, a daughter, Anna Gaches, a grandson, Anthony Forbes, and a brother-in-law, Glen Rainwater.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Parsons, with Pastor Pat McReynolds officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, January 2 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Soroptimist International of Parsons, Faith United Methodist Church of Parsons or Harry Hynes Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
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