Barbara J. Gauldin

Barbara Jane (Dilley) Gauldin was born June 8, 1942, to Oliver and Ruby Dilley in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined her parents in heaven on July 22, 2025, after passing away peacefully in her sleep. 

She grew up in a Christian home full of love with her four brothers, John, Donald, David and Gary. She graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1960 and attended McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. Barbara married Donald Paul Gauldin in 1964. They had three wonderful children whom she adored, Scott, Steve and Michelle, in Independence, Missouri. 

Barbara’s greatest loves were her family, her faith, her beloved dogs and watching the Kansas City Royals. She also enjoyed camping, gardening, being a Cub Scout den mother, baking, sewing and crafts of all kinds. 

She worked hard throughout her life, starting out as a babysitter and ushering at Uptown movie theater in high school. During college, she was a nurse's aide at St. Luke's Hospital, worked in the college library, as a clerk and a waitress. She was a stay-at-home mom for 11 years and kept busy being involved in her kids’ schools and activities. Much of her career was in the financial sector including 16 years with American Century Mutual Funds and J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services and the IRS for six years. She loved working with kids and was also a preschool teacher. 

She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers John and Donald. She is survived by her brothers David (Nancy) and Gary; her children, Scott (Mandy) Gauldin, Steve (Stephanie) Gauldin, and Michelle (Todd) Rhea; eight grandchildren, Anna (Dalton) Handy, Andy Gauldin, Josh Andrievk, Kyle (Arien Frye) Gauldin, Ezra Ambrose, Megan (Eric) Richardson, Kelsey (Colby Dowell) Gauldin, Alyssa (Will) Greble; three great-grandchildren, Roman and Elyana Richardson, and Emily Greble; her lifelong dear friends Bonnie Webb Cutler and Sonja Griffith; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to thank all of her friends at Friendship Manor for their companionship and the staff at Ignite St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s East for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her honor to the animal shelter of your choosing. There will be a visitation Sunday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., and a service Monday, July 28, at 10 a.m. Both will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery – Lakeside Chapel, 801 N.W. Shoal Creek Parkway in Kansas City, Missouri, 64155.