Barbara Vanneman O'Hearne passed away suddenly on December 7, 2024, at her home in Kansas City, Missouri. Known for her sparkling personality and love of life, Barbara will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Born Barbara Vanneman, she is survived by daughter Molly Loren Myers, two sisters, Carol Penner (KS), and Margaret Hoeppner (OR), brother John Vanneman (CO) as well as grandchildren Madison Margaret Myers and Claude Frederick Myers V (Zach), both of Kansas City. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Catherine Gibson Vanneman, and her Father, Frank Vanneman, the Reverend Dr. John J O'Hearne M.D., her husband of 33 years, and her son Beau Myers (SD).

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the new year.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri attending high school at Loretto Academy. After graduating from college at Warrensburg, Missouri she joined the faculty at Avila College (now University), where she took pleasure in educating aspiring teachers for 12 years.  She worked as a consultant for the Association of Unity Churches International for 20 years, causing friends to lovingly refer to her as "the church lady."  She later undertook independent consulting roles with many nonprofits through her own company, O'Hearne and Associates.

She will be remembered as a dedicated advocate for the mission of the Heartland Men's Chorus, serving as a board member for many years. She also was involved with the Women's Foundation of Kansas City for many years. She treasured her association with the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's Centurions program, first as a participant and later as an active member of the alumni group. She was a member of the Rockhill Tennis Club for decades.  In later years, she joined her husband John in his enjoyment of the Carriage Club, where she served on the board and many committees.

Friends will remember Barbara's elegant dinner parties at which her culinary and decorative skills were on full display.  She was a talented chef and entertaining came easily to Barbara.  Her guests not only enjoyed great food, but were able to take in her eclectic art collection from around the world. For many years, women from every corner of the community looked forward to her annual networking event, often held at The Carriage Club.

Barbara was also very active in Vail, CO where she and John had a home. They hosted family and friends for many decades, offering them access to a mountain lifestyle of hiking and skiing.  She was an adventurous and ardent traveler. A memorable trip to Bhutan stayed in her memory and conversations for years.  She was proud to have hiked from the base of Machu Picchu to the ancient city above.

Barbara was an active member of Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City and The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, CO.  Her late husband, the Reverend Dr. John O'Hearne was a deacon in both parishes. John and Barbara often sat with President Gerald R. and Betty Ford while attending services in Vail.