Barbara Ann (Simpson) O’Roark, 70, Kansas City, MO, Passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 1st, 2026. Barbara was born on April 29th, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. Barbara grew up in the Northland and attended Winnetonka High School. There, she developed a love of plays and musicals in which she performed. She carried this talent to Maple Woods Community College where she met her ex-husband Jim with whom she had her two daughters. As a mother, Barb filled her daughters weekends with musical theater, countless museum trips, and trips to historical sites. Barbara loved helping others. She spent her working life in hospitals, shelters, nonprofits and teaching. After her divorce, Barbara started regularly attending Unity Temple on the Plaza where she met new friends and began her new life, one of those friends would turn into the partner she would share the rest of her life with, Cyndi. Through ups and downs, Cyndi and Barbara's dedication to each other was unwavering. After being together for 20 years, Barb and Cyndi married in a small beautiful ceremony at Unity on Barb’s birthday in 2022.

Barbara was a lover of cinema and the arts. A passion she went out of her way to share with her children and grandchildren. She had a great sense of humour, a killer smile and could beat the smartest person you know at Trivial Pursuit. Her gentle nature and whimsical spirit will be missed by all. She is preceded in death by her father Vince, mother Beverly and sister Carrie. She is survived by her wife, Cynthia of 25 years, Her two Daughters Robin (Brooke) and Megan, her grandchildren, Molly, Avery and Anderson, her siblings Chris, Steve, and Patty. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1st at 10:00 AM followed by services at 11:00 AM at Unity Kansas City North. 1000 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64155. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Barbara’s name to The Rose Brooks center in Kansas City, MO.