Barbara J. McPherson, 81, died February 18, 2012 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend, Kan. Born January 12, 1931 at Fort Wayne, Ind., she was the daughter of Arthur and Vada Wasson. She was a 1954 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Nursing. On March 25, 1951, she married Brock R. McPherson at Arkansas City, Kan. She served as Executive Director and Instructor for the Association for Continuing Education, Great Bend, an educational consortium of several hospitals in central Kansas. In addition, she has also served as an instructor through Barton County Community College and Dodge City Community College presenting in-service education for twenty-five long-term care facilities in and around Great Bend.

Barbara was involved with a number of professional organizations and activities. She served on the Kansas State Nurses Association as president and District 7 board member. She served on the Kansas Association of Hospital Educator Coordinators and also served as president. Additionally, she has served on the Barton County Health Fair Board, the Kansas Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the KNAP Board. In 1991, the Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Barbara to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, serving until 1995 and was president for two years.

Besides her other activities, she was involved with community organizations and activities. She was active in the League of Women Voters of Great Bend. She chaired the Local Health Study of Barton County and published a book identifying all health-related resources available to the public. She also served on the boards of Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Golden Belt Community Concert Association, and Unified School District #428, Great Bend.

Mrs. McPherson was also active as Cub Scout Den Mother, Democratic Committeewoman, secretary for Womens Democratic Clubs of Kansas, Hi Steppers EHU, Panther Booster Club, United Funds, Diabetes Association, Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, March of Dimes, Business and Professional Women, Pilot Club, Vintage Wheels, Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing, and South Central Director of Jaguar Club of North America.

Survivors include her husband, Brock R. McPherson, of the home; four sons: Brad R. McPherson and his wife Suzanne, Van Buren, Ark.; Brit R. McPherson and his wife Denise, Weatherby Lake, Mo.; Blair R. McPherson and his wife Teresa, Hays, Kan.; and Boyd R. McPherson and his wife Lisa, Wichita, Kan.; eight grandchildren: Melanie Baker, Brice McPherson, Kelsie Norwood, David McPherson, Courtney McPherson, Emily McPherson, Hugh McPherson, and Baylor McPherson; and four great-grandchildren: Parker McPherson, Daniel Norwood, Jr., Brooke Norwood, and Benjamin Norwood. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Brandon McPherson.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 23, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend. The Reverend Tom Sheldon will officiate. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Golden Belt Community Concert Association or Great Bend Community Theatre or Barton Community College Nursing or Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

To see an interview with Barbara about racing click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BV5CtfwXzI&feature=youtube_gdata_player