Barbara Stoffel

Helen Barbara Stoffel was born October 20, 1934, in Rose Hill, Kansas, the daughter of Carl L. and Helen (Rinkel) Cox.  She was one of ten children (seven girls/three boys) born to the Cox family.  Barbara attended Superior Country School for the first seven grades, later graduating from Rose Hill High School in 1952.

She was united in marriage to Sylvester Joseph Stoffel on July 10, 1952, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mulvane.  This marriage was blessed with the birth of Curtis Joseph in 1953 and Sylvia Joyce in 1956. Curtis passed away at the age of 16, December 6, 1969.

The family lived in Mulvane until 1971, when they relocated to McPherson.  They later lived in Overland Park, KS for a short time.  After Sylvester’s passing in 2014, Barbara moved back to Mulvane and lived with her daughter and son-in-law.

Barb was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of McPherson.  She was past president of both organizations.  She was also active in her churches and belonged to Altar Society, Legion of Mary, and was a volunteer for several agencies.

Barb entered peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by family at her home in Mulvane.  She was eighty-nine.

Survivors include a daughter, Sylvia Joyce Collins (Gregg) of Mulvane, KS;  great- granddaughters, Gabriella Collins, Emerald Brown and Ralphy Sieren; step-grandsons, Christopher Collins and Sam Collins; a step-great-grandson, Brandon Collins; a sister, Greta Coslow; nieces, nephews, and many family friends.

In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Darla May Morrow; siblings,  Leland Cox, Lloyd Cox, Jesse Cox, Margaret Spence, Lena Mae Cooley, Mary Evans, Dorothy Melcher, and Leska Chance; and beloved canine companions, Casey, Pandy Bear, and Noel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mulvane.  Burial will follow at the Mulvane Cemetery.  Rosary will begin at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December, 13 at the church with visitation to follow until 7:00 PM. 

Memorial donations may be given to St. Michael’s Altar Society (Mulvane, KS) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.