Barbara Joanne Leeper (91) of Leawood, KS, passed away on October 10, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones, just as she had spent so much of her life.

Born on July 27, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Milton and Fleda Edmonston, Barbara lived a life defined by love, family, friendship, adventure, and the joy of bringing people together. She was the beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Leeper, her husband of 65 years and the love of her life.

Barbara and Bob met through Kansas City Youth for Christ, where they began a friendship that later became a lifetime partnership. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, shared adventures, and a family that remained the center of everything. Through the years, Bob’s career took them from Kansas City to Middletown, Dayton, and Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jackson, Mississippi, and Houston, Texas. Wherever life took them, Barbara made a home, built friendships, and created a sense of belonging for those around her.

Barbara also learned to pick up her career in each new city, most often impressing employers with her sharp mind and attention to detail in bookkeeping and accounting. However, in Jackson, MS, Barbara’s realtor saw a different application of her skills and asked her to join her team of real estate agents. With several corporate moves under her belt, Barbara had good experience she could offer to families moving to a new city. She loved working with builders in new communities and carried that skill back to Kansas City, where she had her license in Kansas and Missouri.

Barbara and Bob made their final return to the Kansas City area in 1984 to be present for the birth of their first grandchild. Family was their greatest joy, and nothing brought them more happiness than being close to their growing family. Known to many simply as Gigi, Barbara gave her love generously and was a constant source of encouragement and care.

A wonderful hostess, Barbara loved opening her home to family and friends for holidays, family celebrations, neighborhood parties, and business gatherings. Even spontaneous “drop-in” visits became treasured memories her family and friends will hold close for years to come.

Barbara is survived by two children, Cindy (Don) Weston and Jim (Joanne) Leeper; five grandchildren, Erin Weston Gulledge (Tyler Gulledge), Ashleigh Weston (Eddie Schulte), Brian Leeper, Danny Weston (Caroline Miller), and Ben Leeper (Anika Rasheed); five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Miles, Hank, Benny, and Mason (and number six on his way); sister Beverly Curry; and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Leeper, and her parents, Milton and Fleda Edmonston.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 5001 W. 137th St., Leawood, KS, at the Wesley Chapel. Reception will follow at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Essential Tremor Foundation or to KC Shepherd's Center.

We are deeply grateful for the love and support of those who surrounded Barbara throughout her life and in her final days. Her life was an enduring reminder that our greatest joys are found in the people we love, the memories we share, and the love that remains long after we're gone.