Barbara Anna Rupe

Barbara Anna Peterson Rupe, took God’s hand on July 30, 2026.

Barb was born August 23, 1942, in Horton, KS to Clarence Donald “Bud” and Pearle Dorotha Grebb Peterson. She was an only child from that marriage.

Barb grew up in Horton, KS and graduated from Horton High School Hornets in 1960. She received her college diploma from Highland Community Scottie in 1962.

As High School Sweethearts, Barbara married James “Jim” Wesley Rupe, son of Wesley Theodore & Mildred Bertina Johnson Rupe. This blissful reunion took place on April 15, 1962 as Jim was granted leave from the United State Navy for a couple weeks.

Barb & Jim were blessed with two children: Vaughn Wesley Rupe and Christina Barbara Rupe Metz. As a dedicated wife & mother, Barb stayed home and was proud to say ‘she was a Homemaker’ her entire life. The family moved to Hiawatha, KS in 1964 as Jim was Honorable discharged from the Navy.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church Hiawatha, held several distinctive titles in the Order of Easter Star, Volunteer & Hospital Gift Shop, leader in the Ladies prayer group and helped with various school functions involving her kids.

Barbara enjoyed doing flower arrangements, cooking, shopping, and going to sporting events.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law; her beloved son Vaughn, her favorite brother in-law Dalton Adair Howard, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Barb is survived by her husband of 64 years James Rupe; daughter Christy Metz (John), sister-in-law Janet Howard; grandkids: Hillary (Andrew) Simpson, Jacob Rupe (Patricia Carney), Braedyn Rupe (Tynigha Ewing), Britany (Mason) Estes, and Cody (Fiancée Karley Rupprecht) Metz; great-grands: Landrie, Fletcher, Everett Simpson, Nevaeh & Lottie Estes; nephews Chad (Jennifer) Howard & Joshua (Mandy) Howard.

A Church Service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Cheryl Mishler officiating.

Friends may sign the register book at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home Thursday and Friday preceding the service.

A memorial fund will be established and sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com