Barbara M. George

Barbara Mayhew George, 98, a long-time resident of Estes Park, CO, passed away on Jan. 7, 2014, at her home in Estes Park. She was born Aug. 23, 1915, in Post Mills, VT, to Rev. Leland E. Tupper and Laura Lois Chamberlin Tupper.

Barbara spent the first eight years of her childhood in Vermont before moving with her family to Hiawatha, where she graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1932. She received a degree from the University of Kansas in 1938 and began teaching in a Brown County, KS, country school. She married Paul E. George of Hiawatha in 1940. He preceded her in death in 1964.  

During the years of World War II, she was the Brown County Welfare Director.

In addition to her experience of teaching at Carson School, Barbara taught high school in Falls City, Hiawatha and Robinson (KS) schools, and concluded 35-year teaching career with several years at the Robinson MS. After her husband’s death, she was also the owner of Reents Shoe Store in downtown Hiawatha. She retired from teaching in 1980 and moved to make Estes Park her home.

Barbara is survived by her companion, Walter Richards; son, Michael (Netta) George, of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Paula George, of Colorado Springs; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  

She was a dedicated genealogist and family scholar. After co-founding the Estes Park Genealogical Society, she taught a course for others interested in researching and documenting their ancestors.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. There will also be a graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, for family and friends at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Estes Park Senior Center or the University of Kansas Endowment Association, in care of Allnutt Funeral Chapel in Estes Park.  

Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha is in charge of Kansas arrangements. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com