Barbara M. Sutter

Barbara Sutter passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 87, in Prairie Village, Kansas. 

Born in Dallas, Texas on March 12, 1936, to Robert and Sophie Rettman. Barbara had two siblings, Robert Jr. and Josephine. Barbara spent her later childhood in Irving Texas. 

She married Vernon Sutter on September 15, 1952. Their marriage of 36 years was blessed with one son Vernon Jr. and one daughter Janet. They raised their family in Irving, Texas where Barbara worked for many years for Motorola as an accountant and Vernon Sr. as a fireman. Entrepreneurs together they managed a heating and air conditioning business, a pharmacy delivery business, and rental properties over the years. Their son Vernon Jr. died in a tragic boating accident July 2, 1967. Her husband Vernon then passed away March 6, 1988. She moved to Chicago, Illinois as a widow to continue to pursue her career with Motorola. Upon the birth of her only grandchild, Ellen Oliver, Barbara retired from Motorola and moved back to Irving to be closer to her family and the newest addition!  Barbara ventured the country with Janet, (husband) Curt, and Ellen so she could share in that life. She moved to Louisville, Kentucky as her daughter accepted a position with Humana. A year later Janet accepted a position with Anthem, so Barbara moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and finally Leawood, Kansas to be near as well as support Janet and Ellen both of whom she loved and cherished tremendously. 

 Barbara was a very active, social, and happy person who enjoyed many interests. Her activities included New Friends of Kansas City, a social and philanthropic organization for women wanting to make friends, make memories and make a difference. She also served on the board and various volunteer committees for Huntington Farms the community in which she lived many years. She was a regular participant in a few bridge clubs where she enjoyed participating in and hosting bridge games in her home. She was also an active parishioner as well as a volunteer at Cure of Ars Catholic Church.     

Whether to family, friends or new acquaintances Barbara was always friendly, caring, kind, and generous. She had an infectious smile; a real treasure to us all.

Some of her most memorable and enjoyable activities with family and friends were spent water skiing, camping, and watching Janet compete in horse riding activities and volunteering for duties at Golden Triangle Saddle Club. She loved adventure; one of her last big adventures included hiking and rock hopping in Death Valley.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Vernon Sr., son Vernon Jr., parents Robert and Sophie and siblings Robert and Josephine.

She is survived by her daughter Janet Mueller (husband Martin) and granddaughter Ellen.  

Whether you knew her as a daughter, daughter in law, wife, mother, mother-in- law, grandmother, friend, neighbor or coworker we were all proud, lucky and blessed to have her in our lives.

We will have a Celebration of Life for Barbara this Spring in Kansas City.  A Memorial Service will take place at a later date with a visit planned to Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving, Texas.