Barbara Jean (Nelson) Kocour, age 79, went to Heaven on October 9, 2019.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. A parish rosary will be recited on Saturday, October 19th, at 9:30 a.m. at the church with visitation to follow from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mount St. Scholastica Convent. Cremation care entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Barbara was born on January 2, 1940 at General Hospital in Kansas City, MO to Laverna Marie (Sloan) Nelson and Lloyd William Nelson. Barbara went to grade school at Hale Cook Elementary in Waldo (KCMO), but also lived in Texas, and California as her father sought employment after returning home from WWII. Barbara eventually landed in Easton, KS where she attended high school.

After high school Barbara went to work as a dental assistant first in Leavenworth and then later in Kansas City, MO. In 1960 Barbara met the love of her life Albert (Bud) Kocour at the Hilltop outside Atchison, KS. They were married on June 4, 1961 at St. Lawrence Church in Easton, KS. Barbara gave birth to five sons which earned her the name St. Barbara.

After her five boys were old enough, she went to work as a dental assistant to Dr. Scimeca and later Dr. Meyers in Atchison. Barbara retired from Dr. Sitek’s podiatrist practice where she gave the best foot massages this side of the Mississippi. In her spare time when she wasn’t cooking or chasing one of her five boys Barbara enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren and practicing her Catholic faith.

Barbara was a member of St. Benedict’s parish and proceeded in death by her parents. Barbara is survived by her husband Bud; two brothers Dennis “Pete” (Barbara Nelson) and Lynn “Gabby” Nelson; five sons David (Trisha) of Olathe, KS; Joe (Shirley) of Atchison; Alan of Olathe; Vincent (Kathy) of Olathe; and Mark (Melissa) of Atchison; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.