Barbara Ann Hawthorne

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister was born on August 4, 1944, in Newton, Kansas, to the late John Franklin and Wilma L. Sears. A proud Mississippi Choctaw, Barbara lived a life marked by unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, and profound generosity.

Barbara grew up in Newton, Kansas, where she was known for her strength and determination. At a young age, she earned the nickname “The Brown Bomber” for her fearless spirit. In her teen years, she loved to dance and won many dance contests. A true free spirit, Barbara enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad in her earlier years.

She dedicated many years to public service, working as a ZMT operator for the U.S. Post Office. Later in life, her passion for helping others led her to work with NorthView in Newton, Kansas, as a rehabilitation specialist, where she was an advocate for bringing others to Christ.

Barbara will be forever remembered for her elegant beauty, distinct style, and artistic flair for decorating. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, beautiful smile that could light up a room, though if you tried to take advantage, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her passions included music, travel, and, especially, cooking.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a true matriarch who loved seeing everyone together, particularly during the Christmas season, which was her absolute favorite holiday. The family will always cherish the memories of holiday gatherings and her cherished trips back to Newton, Kansas, to spend time with her sister, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara is survived by her loving spouse, Theodore Hawthorne of Las Vegas, NV; her two devoted daughters, Wilma Enyard and John of Goshen, IN, and Evelyn Enyard Rucker and her husband Kevin Rucker of Las Vegas, NV.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Tony Edwards (Shelley) of Las Vegas, NV, Carl Edwards (Lena) of Newton, KS, Candice Rosser of Florence, CO, and Kevin Rucker II (Kristin) of Las Vegas, NV; and her great-grandchildren: Marcus Edwards of Las Vegas, NV, and Iyana Edwards of Newton, KS. She is also survived by her siblings, John Sears, Virginia Sears, and David Sears, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Robert D. Enyard Jr., and her great-granddaughter, Aaliyah M. Martin.

Memorial Contributions

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, there will be no public service. The family plans to hold a private Celebration of Life to scatter her ashes at one of her favorite places.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you may send a Christmas decoration in Barbara’s memory. As she loved Christmas so much that the family started decorating right after Halloween, they will be honoring her memory by adding your decorations to her cherished display this season.

For address information contact Evelyn at 702-906-3441 or [email protected].

The family thanks everyone for the prayers, flowers, messages, and calls during this difficult and unexpected time.