Barbara Wells

Funeral services for Barbara "Barb" J. (Underwood) Wells, 44, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. After a five-year battle with breast cancer, Barb peacefully passed on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

Barb was born on August 3, 1974 in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Gary L. and Sharon (Bennett) Underwood.

She was a graduate of Ottawa High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Baker University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and a Baker cheerleader.

She worked in advertising sales in the Lawrence community for 20 years with the Lawrence Journal World, Sunflower Cable and most recently as the advertising Sales Manager for Midco. Given her love for the community, she remained active in Lawrence and attended and graduated from Leadership Lawrence in 2017.

Barb’s children were her greatest joy, having never missed a sporting event or dance recital her happiest moments were spent with family. She also loved traveling, boating, snow skiing, attending concerts and besting her family in card games. Barb ultimately appreciated the small things; having her feet in the sand, watching a sunset and enjoying the company of her family and friends. Barb never met a stranger and had a smile that would light up a room.

She married A.R. Wells on June 28, 2003 in Lawrence. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include her mother, Sharon (Bennett) Underwood, Lawrence; father, Gary (Chris) Underwood, Ottawa, son, Vaughn Wells, daughter, Keira Wells; and brother, Kyle Underwood, Denver, CO, In-Laws Randy Wells and Charlotte Lawrenz-Wells and brother-in-law J.D. Wells, Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Harold and Julia Bennett and her paternal grandparents, Glenn Underwood, Hazel Underwood and Virginia Underwood.

The family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Warren- McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

Based upon her love of Baker University and her time there a scholarship is being set up in her memory. Memorial contributions may be made to Baker University, the Barb Wells Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.