Barbara Dodson

Barbara Farrell (Cranor) Dodson, age 84 passed away peacefully December 29, 2020 due to complications following Covid-19 at Country Place Senior Living in Independence, KS. She was surrounded by her family and those that had been caring for her in her Assisted Living Facility that loved her too.

There will be no service at this time, cremation has taken place under the direction of Webb and Rodrick Chapel and internment will happen at a later, undetermined date.

Barbara was born July 26th 1936 on the kitchen floor of her parent’s house in Coffeyville, KS. Which her parents always said was a good thing, because with her bright red hair they wouldn’t have believed she was theirs otherwise. She was full of surprises from the very beginning.

Barbara grew up in Independence, graduated from IHS in 1954 and then attended KU where she joined the Delta Gamma Sorority. She made many lasting friendships during her years in Lawrence and married her first husband Porter Clark in 1957 during their college years, they had three children, Angelyn, Justin and Jennifer, they later divorced.

Barbara moved to Wichita in 1983 where she became reacquainted with Dick Dodson, he was the little brother of her 1st cousin Carolyn’s husband Bill Dodson. Yes, it’s confusing, Mom and her 1st cousin married brothers, they loved telling the story!

Barbara married Richard Dale Dodson in 1985 and they had 30 wild and wonderful years together before his passing in 2013.

When Dick retired from Cessna in Wichita, he and Barbara moved to Fall River full time. They lived in the town of Fall River until they built their dream home on the property they purchased together, they were always the life of the party, the hub of social activity and the reigning King and Queen of “The Goat Ranch”. Many family celebrations happened there, birthdays, Christmas’s, it was the place where the grandkids went with their friends for slumber parties, and where they learned to drive and wreck golf carts. Friends were always welcome and many showed up for morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Porch sitting was a part of daily life on the Dodson Ranch, were there was a never-ending supply of shenanigans, fun, and love for all who were fortunate enough to be a part of she and Dickies lives.  Barbara moved to Independence a few years after her husband Dick passed away and spent the last few years enjoying being around her family, especially her great grandkids.

Barbara never met a stranger and spent much of her life engaging with everyone she met. While she was making new friends, we all spent many hours waiting on Mom, she would finally reemerge with a new friend, a complete family history, great gossip and more than likely an invitation to that person’s home for coffee.

Barb was well known around Fall River and surrounding counties, she liked fire, a good pasture burn, a weenie roast or a good trash pile, she was a bit of a pyro at heart. On one such occasion, her fire got a little out of control and 3 counties worth of firefighters came to her rescue, after that she gained the nickname “Sparky”.

Barbara loved searching for antiques, we kids grew up going to auctions, haunting a good flea market for treasures, changing plans for the day to follow a yard sale sign that looked promising. She never lost her childlike joy when she found a true gem, or a rusty piece of wonderful junk.

Barbara was an active member of PEO and a lifetime member of DAR, she rejoined her Contemporary Study Club when she moved back to Independence in 2017

Proceeded in death by her parents, Albert and Lois Cranor, Siblings, Charles Frederick (Freddie) Cranor, Kenneth Cranor and Mary Jane (Cranor) Dorsey. Step Daughter Sheri Hillier, Husband Richard (Dickie Doo) Dodson, Brother-in-law, William (Bill) Dodson, Sister-in-law Betty Dodson and way too many family, friends and loved ones as well as her beloved fur babies, Maggie, Molly and Oscar. Fur Baby Betty Ann currently resides with Jolene Moreland of Cashmere Canine.

Survived by her children – Angelyn Nicholson (Stephan) Lubbock, TX, Justin Clark, Neodesha, KS, Jennifer Christensen (Tim) Independence, KS. Grandchildren Abby Shepherd (Scott), Independence, KS, Jonas Clark (Mary Beth) Plano, TX, Great Grandchildren, Hudson and Liam Shepherd, Independence, KS and Baker Justin Clark, Plano, TX, Sister-in-Law Vonda Cranor, Fall River, Cousin Carolyn Dodson, Nephew Scott Duncan, Niece Grace Montanelli, Nephew Jeff Cranor, Melissa and Jan Stryker and many good friends.

Many generations have enjoyed reunions, birthdays and cookouts at Riverside Park and Zoo. Playing at the playground, seeing all the animals at the 4-H fairs, day’s playing at Kiddie-Land, riding the train or taking a spin on the Merry-go-round are part of our family history and one we continue to share with the newest generation. With this in mind, we ask that Memorials be made to FORPAZ in support of Riverside Park and Zoo.

Barbara was truly a kind and generous soul, her love of people and zest for life radiated from that little lady like no other, she loved big and it came back to her in so many ways. She will be missed by many. To leave the family a special message or a condolence, please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com.