Barbara Ann (McGinley) Gutierrez

Barbara Ann McGinley Gutierrez passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on March 20, 2026. Barbara was born on September 26, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to William Leo McGinley and Mary Elizabeth Crow. She was the baby of the family and had an older sister, Marlene McGinley Berry, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a family that adored her, daughters Christine Florido and Caroline Florez, son-in-law, Vincent Florido, Jr. She is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren who worshipped her more than she knew, Nicole Gutierrez, Amanda Florido, Cassandra Florido, Laura Florez & Adam Wellman, Luis Florez, Martina Florido, Ethan Ford and Kyle Claessen, and additional loved ones Trevor Svoboda, Jack Rellihan and AnneMarie Ball. And her loving pup, Pumpkin.

And we know that her beloved husband, Bobby, and her son, Robert Jr., were waiting at the gates of Heaven to welcome her with open arms.

Barbara was a proud graduate of Redemptorist High School, where she met the love of her life, Robert "Bobby" Gutierrez and made lifelong friends.

She married Bobby in 1965 and shared so many adventures together. They loved to dance, travel with friends and family, and watch any sports - especially the Kansas Jayhawks basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

She sacrificed so much for her family including making the decision to return to school later in life. She attended University of Kansas and became a Radiology Technologist. After graduating, she worked in the radiology field for over 30 years at KU Medical Center and Diagnostic Imaging. After she officially retired she worked as the lunch lady, alongside Po, at Cure of Ars Catholic School. She then went on to work at the Colonial Presbyterian child care center.

In addition to working full-time, she enjoyed volunteering and being involved at school functions at Guardian Angels Catholic School. She served as PTA President, softball coach, girl scout leader, and helped plan some of the best Halloween parties. Barbara was a fierce advocate for her family. This included her work to secure funding and establish White Oaks group home for her son, Rob, and other children with mental and physical challenges. This home was one of the first of its kind in the Kansas City area and provided professional, loving care for residents.

"Gram" to all of her grandkids and great grandkids, loved deeply but also fought fiercely to protect her family. She was always there for us to confide in. She was the calm voice that would talk us off the ledge, or that stern voice that you knew you needed. You could always count on hearing a "fantastic" or "terrific" when you gave her some good news! She was at every game, school play, big event or small event. She was our biggest cheerleader and our most loved confidant. She made it a point to ask lots of questions - not to be nosy - but to show she truly cared about what was going on in your life.

Barb was very proud of her Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day was her day to celebrate with Corned Beef and Cabbage and a green drink. Parades were always a must - so we made sure she was at one this year, green wig and all.

Barb was an avid reader and a good athlete. She enjoyed playing softball, bowling and playing golf. She loved just being in the presence of her friends and family. She loved to host parties at her house and some were quite legendary. She loved planning things for her family, whether it was monthly birthday dinners, holiday gatherings or trips for the whole family. She was the ultimate party planner.

Even with her health challenges these last few years, her mind was sharp as a tack. Listening to her stories was both hilarious and rewarding. She missed Bobby “Po” a lot but we relished listening to her tell stories about their life together. We know that Po was waiting for her at the gates of Heaven and said, "What took you so long, Junior?" Gram and Po are together again dancing in the streets of Heaven.

Her last few months were spent surrounded by family which brought her so much joy. Every time, greeting them with a "Hey, how are you?" But, she also enjoyed being pampered because everyone brought her treats and special snacks. She would always say that "ice cream or chocolate would make that better."

We are going to miss our matriarch more than words can even say, but we are also at peace knowing that her suffering has ended and she is reunited with Daddy and Rob.

Our family is grateful to all the doctors and nurses at KU Medical Center and especially the staff at Amedisys Hospice. Their support meant the world to us and made her final days the best they could be.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations in her honor to the American Lung Association or Melissa’s Second Chances, where she rescued her beloved pup, Pumpkin.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 on Monday, March 30. Visitation will be held from 10:00am – 10:45am, Eulogy at 10:45am and a Catholic mass will follow at 11:00am.