Barbara Cora Kahler

Barbara Cora Kahler, fondly known as Barb, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, in her beloved hometown of Topeka, Kansas. Born on January 20, 1931, to Gilbert and Florence Swader, she lived a life full of warmth, laughter, and cherished moments.

Barb's career spanned 24 beautiful years at the B&B Pines Christmas Tree Farm from 1976 to 2000, where her love for the holiday season shone brightly. She cherished every opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with others and found great pleasure in the simple task of mowing around the trees, a reflection of her dedication to nurturing nature and creating a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy.

A graduate of Seaman High School, Barb was known for her nurturing spirit and caring demeanor. She took immense joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren, often filling her home with laughter and love during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, which she hosted with great enthusiasm. Her culinary skills were unmatched, as she delighted family and friends with her renowned canned pickles, beets, and amazing Christmas cookies.

Barb was not just a talented cook but also an incredibly skilled seamstress. She could create anything her heart desired, from quilts and clothing for her family to hand-crafted dolls made from scratch. Her love for gardening and canning further exemplifies her passion for homemade treasures. She even had a pet chicken who brought added joy to her life.

In her lifetime, Barb proudly embraced her role as a mother and grandmother, finding great fulfillment in her family life alongside her husband of 73 years, Robert Kahler. She was an inspiration to her six grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, instilling in them the values of love, resilience, and togetherness.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Florence Swader; her brother, Sonny Swader; her sister, Lois Busey; her granddaughter, Kristy Adkins; her granddaughter, Heidi Everly; and her son-in-law, Marty Garren.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, remembered by her sons, Robert (Audra) Kahler and Darren (Ann) Kahler, her daughter, Julie Garren, her sister-in-law, Linda Springer, and her adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Barbara Cora Kahler will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her nurturing spirit and her dedication to her family, her laughter, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Midland Hospice.

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