Barbara Tierney

Barbara Ann Tierney, of Pittsburg, Kan., died June 16, 2011.

She was born June 10, 1934 in Pittsburg but enjoyed living in Oregon during the Depression and later in Joplin, Mo., Topeka, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., Great Falls and Columbia Falls before settling back home in Pittsburg.

Barbara graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1952 and married her sweetheart, William ("Bill") Tierney on Nov. 29 of the same year. Together they had seven children, 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father Jack Baert; her husband; sister Judy Collins; and one grandson, Cody Jack Sword.

She is survived by her mother, Ethel Baert; brothers Dave Baert, Dick Baert and Dan Baert; and children Jeanne Offerdahl, William ("Bill") Tierney III, Stan Tierney, Cynthia Tierney, Angela Graham, Kristine Boggs and April Haynes.

Barbara loved to read and could easily finish one of her favorite novels in a day. She gave the gift of reading to each her kids as well as a wealth of love and kindness. She was a member of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to consider the following idea: "Mom always supported the works of the Salvation Army.

If you'd like to make a donation in her name, keeping the amount private to you, I'm sure mom would be grateful."

A specific area the Salvation Army is working to assist is in helping the survivors of Joplin from the devastating tornado that hit Barbara's area less than a month before her death. Donations may be sent online at https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp. The world is poorer with her absence.

"The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her." - Anonymous

Mass of Christian burial will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, in Pittsburg, on Friday, June 24, 2011, at 1 p.m. with Father Mike Baldwin as celebrant. Burial will follow at Crocker Cemetery.

Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com.