Barbara Cunningham

Barbara Louise Cunningham (Bixler, Rhoades), 93, died peacefully at 1:18 a.m, Monday July 27, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO with family by her side. She was born at Mercy Hospital in Parsons, KS on March 14, 1933, to John Edward Rhoades and Mabel Louise Rhoades (Hill).

She loved her family more than life itself. She was a member of the St. John's Episcopal Church for 74 years, modeling the teachings of Jesus through kindness, faith, love, joy, hard work, generosity, acceptance, patience, and being one's best. She also served as deacon for the Church.

She graduated from Parsons High School in 1951. She worked for AT&T before marrying Howard Clinton Bixler in 1954, moving to California in 1957 where she opened and co-owned Dutch Boy Maintenance Co. with Howard Bixler (deceased 1972). She returned to Parsons and began working at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center as a Licensed Mental Health Technician, retiring in 1993. She attained an associate's degree in psychology from Labette Community College.

In retirement she worked for the Labette County Health Department helping to meet the needs of mothers with young children and worked diligently for the betterment of our community. She volunteered for many community organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Iron Horse Museum, and collected clothing and food donations for the community. She was a devoted supporter of the Special Olympics and was the treasure of the Labette County Genealogy Society. She donated her time and money to numerous charities.

She is survived by her son, Mark Bixler (Patti) of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Dr. Kathleen Lewis (Raymond) of Parsons, KS, daughter-in-law, Diane Bixler of Parsons, KS; four grandchildren, Matthew Headley, Clinton Paul Headley, John Bixler, and Diane Bixler; four great-grandchildren, Mariah Jones (Cami), Isiah Headley (Kaneesha), Ajereean Headley; and Gabby Jones; four great-great grandchildren, Javione Johnson, King Headley, Lyric Headley, and Kobe Headley.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Rhoades; mother, Mabel Rhoades; sister, Brenda (Rhoades) Houska; brother, Kenneth Rhoades; husband, Howard Bixler; daughter, Toni (Bixler) Headley; son, John Bixler and three grandchildren, Albert Bixler, Wesley Bixler, and Keshia Davis.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Area Community Foundation. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.