Barbara was born on March 11, 1935, in Texas County, Missouri, to Marion Clifton Sweet and Grace (Wall) Sweet.
She was raised in Cabool, Missouri, where she enjoyed the company of brothers Warren and Johnny and sisters Norma (Sweet) Conner, Betty (Sweet) Heinemann, Marilyn (Sweet) Bovard, Carolyn (Sweet) Barnett, Alice (Sweet) Frank and Gerry (Sweet) Tune.
Although raised in the countryside and carrying a lifelong appreciation for the way of life of her upbringing, Barbara had an affinity for the city. Following high school, she relocated to Kansas City to be with her sister Norma and brother-in-law Darrell where she met and fell in love with Frank (Hank) Richard Alterman.
The two married August 25, 1954. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage before Hank’s passing in 2010.
She is survived by her three sons, Mark (Sonja) Alterman, Kerry (Lori) Alterman and Rocky (Tina) Alterman, 12 grandchildren and their spouses, as well as 14 great grandchildren, her sister Gerry (Sweet) Tune, and countless nieces and nephews.
Over the years, Barbara has enjoyed personal hobbies such as painting for which she had a knack, cooking, for which her family will deeply miss her recipes, and antiquing with Hank. She and Hank, both with keen eyes for antiques, had numerous antique shops over the years, as well as a small diner in McLouth, Kans., home of their son, Kerry. She also loved gardening and had an affinity for peonies and hibiscus flowers, among others.
Barbara enjoyed planning events and gathering family and friends. She was the consummate host, from poolside luaus to Christmas parties with surprise visits from Santa to family meals with her kids and grandkids every Sunday. She and Hank shared an open door policy at their home and often had numerous guests at any given time. Their house was a hub for family activity.
Barbara was a longtime, active member of Stony Point Christian Church in Kansas City, Kansas, and came to love her church family as her own. The week of her passing, she spent her Tuesday volunteering at the STOREhouse at the church as she so often did, preparing groceries for people in need in the community, joined by two of her great-grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by husband, Frank (Hank) Alterman, parents, Marion Clifton Sweet and Grace (Wall) Sweet, siblings Warren Sweet, Johnny Sweet, Norma (Sweet) Conner, Betty (Sweet) Heineman, Marilyn (Sweet) Bovard, Carolyn (Sweet) Barnett and Alice (Sweet) Frank.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Stony Point Christian Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Chapel Hill funeral homes are handling arrangements and can be contacted for additional information.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Stony Point Christian Church STOREhouse food pantry, to honor Barbara’s love of serving and feeding others.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Alterman family.
