Obituary
Barbara Mae (Yates) Foley, age 81, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed peacefully of Alzheimer’s, surrounded by family and friends, on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 at Silverado Lee’s Summit Memory Care Community.
Barb was born on October 17th, 1942 in Kansas City, MO to Emmett and Catherine (Ficht) Yates. She married Gerald L. Foley on June 29th, 1968 and had two daughters, Kimberly Foley Nagel Dahl, and Rebecca Foley Mallen.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerry; her daughters Kim (Mike), Becky (Tim); her grandchildren, Reese, Colson, Devin Nagel; Avery and Owen Mallen; sister Karen (Terry) Aitkens; brother-in-law Lynn Cox; nephew Doug (Julie) Aitkens; niece Erin (Aitkens) Dugan all of Lee’s Summit, MO; nephew Jerrad (Amy) Peterson of Parkville, MO; and great niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Emmett and Catherine Yates; and sister Victoria Lynn Cox.
Barbara graduated from Raytown High School in 1960 and received a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Central Missouri State College in 1964. She taught at Grandview Junior and Smith-Hale Junior High. Some of her fondest memories included directing her choirs and musicals. After teaching for several years, she and Jerry started their family and she enjoyed raising her daughters, volunteering in their elementary school as “picture lady”, substituting for the Raytown School District, being a Youth Friend at Norfleet Elementary, and participating in various Raytown organizations, including the Raytown Educational Foundation.
She loved music! She sang originally for the Kansas City Civic Chorus which transitioned into the Kansas City Symphony Chorus for 36 years total. She traveled abroad with the Symphony Chorus on several occasions singing in famous venues in Europe and Mexico. She also sang at Carnegie Hall and had the distinguished honor of opening The Kauffman Center in 2011. Her love of music began at the age of 4 when she learned how to play the piano. She loved playing the piano for her family during the holidays.
She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri. Church and her faith were very important. This was the beginning of Barb’s belief that “…friends are the family you choose”.
Her friends were like family. They were ALWAYS included for gatherings at their home. She hosted Sunday dinners for family and friends for many years. This tradition still continues with Kim and Becky. Her love of her friends led to daily lunches with them at “11:45” (target time that Barb never met). The stories told around the “lunch bunch” table live on in her friends.
Barb was known for her joy of life, her kindness to others, and inclusion of everyone. Her extreme love of family defines her and taught others how to love unconditionally.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Raytown Educational Foundation. Contributions will be directed to a scholarship in Barbara’s name for music education.
Contact information: ref.raytownschools.org or 10750 E. 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138
Services to be held Saturday, February 3rd, 2024. Visitation will be from 9-11am with a memorial service starting at 11:30. Langsford Funeral Home, Lee’s Summit, MO.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
We will miss her as we loved her. With all our heart.
Barb (Yates) was my college roommate. She was so special. She was one of a kind. We laughed a lot. I will always hold her in my heart.
We were neighbors in Timber Valley 1983 – 1994. Barb was always welcoming, friendly & so sweet to us and our girls. I will always remember her smile and kindness.
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to explain how my heart is broken for you and your family. Sending you love 💕
Love,
Julie Scherzer
Barb was a very special lady. Always so welcoming and alot of fun. We had the privilege of knowing her as the aunt to our son-in-law. We enjoyed dinners at her house in Raytown. She will be missed!
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that we feel that loss too. Barb was a treasure & a beautiful person. We know she is singing with the angels in heaven—probably directing the choir. Sincerely, Syd & Stan
Hi, Gerry,
I had a feeling earlier in the week that I should try to get hold of Barb. I don’t have your correct phone number and the one you left me got deleted, so please try and call me again. You know how much Barb and I loved each other. Thank you for informing me. Tony and I are praying for you and your family.
love ya’,
Barb
Barb always lit up the room with her smile and bright personality! Having known her since she was in high school I believe that she brought joy to all of us that knew her and every time I think of her I will smile too!
I remember Barb’s smile. I can picture her telling a story and being on the verge of getting tickled as she talked. She could always make you laugh. She was also a wonderful hostess. She had a way of making you feel comfortable in her home. After our office Christmas dinners, we would go back to Dr Foley and Barb’s house and have dessert. Barb would make her famous “Ice Cream Pie”. What a treat! I still have her recipe. She was a warm, genuine, and fun person and someone I always admired.
Barb was a good friend from grade school and beyond. We shared such fun times in Girl Scouts and all of the singing groups. We loved to harmonize. It was always a fun time when she was there. She came up with the cornyest jokes that made everyone laugh hysterically. I never saw her mad. I never heard her speak ill of anyone. She was always the first to encourage and help in any situation. Barb was a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile and personality. She will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I had the privilege of singing with Barb in the Kansas City Symphony Chorus for many years. She was a great lady!
Love and prayers to her family and friends.
My deepest sympathies to you and family. Barb was such a beautiful person and a dear friend to everyone. We were friends since Jr. Hi and she was always such a joy to be around. I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss our 11:45 lunches. Rosie
One very early memories as a child I recall asking my mother “mom…. who are these people and… why do we go to their house on holidays?” My mother replied ” Barbara is my best friend. Because we have moved here from out of state, we don’t often have family here to share special times with. She has been kind enough to take us in as her adopted family.” I will always remember Barbara as a joy filled lady with a huge heart full of laugh and fun and very willing to be the brunt of a joke if it meant getting a chuckle. We are so grateful to have had her as part of our lives. Not just myself and immediate family, but also my two children and wife who also got to see a short part, as toddlers, of this wonderful lady. I can’t imagine not having her (and Foley’s) in my life. Missing you all. Sincerely, Kevin
Although I didn’t know Barbara for a very long time, It felt great to know that I could bring a smile to her face . Also that she brought a smile to mine! Rest easy now. Watch over Jerry, he’s going to need you!
Brandi❤️
Silverado L.S
The service that was held yesterday for Barb by her family was remarkable and special.
I know that she knew how special she to me…
There were times when she didn’t have time and yet she took the time.
There were times when she had enough cares of her own and yet she cared.
There were times when she had given all she had to give and yet she kept on giving. Her legacy continues in all our lives forever.
May you rest in peace, my friend while directing the choir of angels.
John and I want to tell you how sorry we are to hear about Barbara. She had contagious happiness and goodness. We feel privileged to have known her. Our prayers are with your whole family.
John & Sharon Curry