Barbara Pearce

A woman of great faith, Barbara Phyllis (Bringer) Pearce, was born at home on December 31, 1926, in Argonia, Kansas, to parents William Elmer August and June Maxine "Marie" (Main) Bringer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 29, 2025, at the age of 98 in Wichita, Kansas.

Barbara's siblings were Gerald, Rosella Christine, and Burke. She graduated from Argonia High School. She went on to study and become a real estate broker. On October 20, 1946, she married Denzel Linn Pearce in Argonia, Kansas. They honeymooned in Hollister, Missouri, in the summer of 1947. Having dated in high school, they enjoyed a marriage that lasted 72 years. Their children are Judy, Bradford, and Kevin.

Brabara started her career at Security Abstract in Wichita in July of 1944, Barbara later became a real estate broker. She and Denzel bought, worked on, remodeled, and flipped houses. Eventually, they acquired an estate of 20 rental properties. Each of their children bought one, and the other 17 were rented, worked on, and eventually sold. Mom and Dad's office and shop remain part of the family, and they continued to go to the office every weekday well into their late '80s.

Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wichita since 1964. She was baptized on April 21,1935, in Argonia, Kansas.

Art was one of Barbara's passions. She loved to paint, work on gourds, make jewelry, redo furniture, go to estate sales, collect antiques, and entertain. She and her friends took painting lessons and gathered monthly to practice their art. In 1989, they created Studio 4 and held it at the office.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Barbara was active in her community. She served on the Wichita Board of Realtors, was a member of the Iota Pi chapter of Delta Theta Tau sorority, participated in Project Beauty, and was a docent at the Wichita Art Museum. She also directed the artists for several years at the Wichita Book and Art Fair and supported Global Faith in Action’s project in Lambert, Haiti.

Survived by her daughter, Judy Pearce (Al) Unrein; sons, Bradford Pearce and Kevin (Collette) Pearce; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and family members. Through these, her legacy lives on.

She now joins in eternal peace, her parents, Elmer and June; stepfather, Lew; brother, Gerald; sister, Rosella; brother, Burke and his wife Ruth; and husband, Denzel, along with his seven siblings and their spouses.

Barbara will be remembered for her strength, love of family, and the many talents she shared with the world. A light that will continue to shine in our hearts.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church Chapel, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas 67202. A celebration of life will be held at Kevin and Collette's home following the service.