Barbara Ellen May Stepp, our matriarch, passed away peacefully June 17, 2011, at her home in Prairie Village, Kansas. Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend was born April 1, 1922, in Humphreys, MO, to John Clifton May and Vera Marie Brittain May. She lived in Chillicothe, MO, and felt especially blessed to have gracious, charming Christian role models in her grandmother, mother, and aunts. She graduated with honors from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (Truman State University) with a degree in education, where she was senior class president and a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. After graduate study in modern dance at Columbia University, Barbara came to Kansas City and taught physical education in the Kansas City School District. While having coffee at Katz drugstore before church one Sunday morning, she met Albro Frederick Stepp, Jr., who would become her loving husband. Together Al and Barb offered their four children a model of respect and dedication towards each other that reflected their deep love and their strong faith. We thank her for her joy for life, spunky personality, deep faith in the promise of the Resurrection and the unconditional love she gave us. Because of our mother's gracious hospitality, our home was a warm and inviting gathering place for family and friends. Affectionately known as Boz or Bobbie, Mom was always nicely involved in her children's activities. She loved music and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority and the Symphony League. She loved attending the symphony and ballet, any kind of dancing and just being with her many friends. Barb was a member of P.E.O. Chapter EX and the Elizabeth Benton Chapter of DAR. Always a sports enthusiast, she played golf and tennis well into her 80s. She loved playing games with her grandchildren. She enjoyed bridge with the Friday group, lunching with the "JAW" group and the Conservative Capitalists Investment Club. Barb and Al were faithful members of Prairie Baptist Church since 1953. Celebrating the life of Barbara are her children: John Daniel Stepp (Jane), Peter Albro Stepp (Pam), Timothy Edward Stepp (Debbie), and Amy Marie Stepp Greif (Lee). Boz was the most wonderful grandmother and great- grandmother to Carolyn Frances Stepp, Morgan Albro Stepp (Crystal), Samuel Brittain Stepp, Nathan Timothy Stepp, Jonathan Albro Stepp, John Connor Stepp, Alexander Frederick Stepp, Macauley Brittain Greif, Parker Logan Stepp, Madelyn May Elder and Xaiden Kai Stepp. Barbara was also blessed by the addition of five step-grandchildren: Tyler Greif, Eli Greif, Rochelle McBride, Becky Iserman and Joe Pollard and their families. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Beverly Tate (Edsel). Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents and husband. Thank you to the kind and loving care provided to our Mom by Ginny, Crissy, Brenda and Debbie. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Prairie Baptist Church. Reception to follow at Indian Hills Country Club. A private family burial will be held in the Johnson County Memorial Gardens. At Barbara's request, please direct donations to the Central Baptist Theological Seminary Scholarship Fund, 6601 Monticello Road, Shawnee, KS 66226, or to your favorite charity. Forever a void in our hearts. We love you, Mom.
Published in Kansas City Star from June 19 to June 20, 2011