Barbara Lee Freix died Monday, November 4, 2019, at KU Medical Center at the age of 66.
She was born June 29, 1953, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of William H. and MaryAnn Armstrong. She was one of 10 siblings, and when they weren’t terrorizing the kind people of Hudson Avenue, they enjoyed extended camping trips to the Outer Banks.
She met Greg Freix in Dayton on a blind date while he was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. They were married March 4, 1978. In 1980, they welcomed their only son, Matthew. Together, they travelled the world, living in the Philippine Islands, South Korea and South Carolina, among others, then settled in Kansas.
Barb was a devoted Air Force wife, homemaker, retail worker, school aide, and QVC and Amazon shopper. Barb never met a UPS driver or mail carrier she didn’t like. Barb worked for Mid America Bank in Baldwin City since 1999.
Barb was known for her sweet, gentle, giving spirit, her love of family, and her wonderful sense of humor. Her laugh was contagious. Lovingly known as “Aunt Weepy,” she made sure to attend every family event. The number of on-going jokes and stories with the family is countless.
She is survived by her husband Greg Freix of Baldwin City, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Lisa and granddaughter Jillian Marie Freix of St. Louis.
Other survivors include: siblings Suzanne (Ron) Smith of West Manchester, OH; Kathy Clark of Pittsburgh; Martha (John) Martin of Pittsburgh; James (Donella) Armstrong of Huber Heights OH; Ann (John) Sullivan of Dayton; Mark (Peggy) Armstrong of Cummings, GA; more nieces and nephews than you can shake a stick at, and her 2 granddogs, Phoebe and Eli.
Barb was predeceased by her parents, William and MaryAnn Armstrong of Dayton; brothers John Armstrong of Dayton; William H. Armstrong of Walled Lake, MI, and Steve Armstrong of Manns Harbor, N.C., as well as Jodi the duck, D.D. the family dog, and Jasper, her first granddog.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas.
Donations in Barb’s name may be made to The University of Kansas Cancer Center or The American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
It was my good fortune to get to know Barb via Mid America Bank where I would wire money for one of her clients. She was great to work with and though most of our communication was via email, her light shined through. I hope that in due time Greg, Matthew and family’s tears will be replaced with smiles when thinking about Barb.
Greg, so sorry for your loss. We only met Barb a few times at the reunions, but always enjoyed her sense of humor and identified her immediately as the “life of the party”. Only the best thoughts for you and Matthew from Carol and I and again our deepest condolences.
Greg. So sorry to hear Barb, passed away. She was a great neighbor and a wonderful friend. Have so many GREAT memories
All the KU basketball games. The story of the “peas” we had at dinner at your home. Unbelievable that she is gone. Her humor will never be forgotten. Rest in piece Barbara and give Danny and Shane a hug from me!
I am sorry for the loss of a wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Barb. God is with her now in heaven as also her parents and siblings. I know the family will take time to heal. I pray for all of you. ????????
I had the pleasure of hiring Barb at Mid America Bank in April 2001. I remember when she first started – she told me that she went home on the 2nd day and told Greg “what did I get myself into?” As we used to joke, she didn’t know a debit from a credit when she started. But she was a quick learner, devoted to learning and handling each situation to the best of her abilities. As I look back at those many years, Barb never failed to bring interesting conversation; and many stories of joy, laughter, family, and crazy situations to share, each of which was dotted with her particular brand of humor and hilarity. She kept us all in stitches, and sometimes tears. She was so kind and her personal touch with customers was an enjoyment to watch. We shared so many personal beliefs and discussions, including 9-11. There are so many wonderful memories – I specifically remember the times she would come into my office, closing the door as she entered; she’d give me “that look” and then she’d sit down, tap the papers she was holding on my desk and say “Houston, we have a problem”. I remember too, sharing loving Grandma stories as we regaled each other with the latest. To her, you hung the moon and starts Jillian.
Barb, thank you for 15 fun years of working together, your friendship, and so many wonderful memories, each touched by your uniqueness!
You will be dearly missed. May God wrap Greg, Matthew, Lisa, and sweet Jillian, in His loving arms of comfort.
I met Barb three years ago when I began working at Mid America Bank. I honestly don’t think there was one co-worker who didn’t love Barb. She was patient, kind and SO fun to talk to. We will all miss her so much. May God’s grace blanket your loved ones at this time of such deep sorrow.
I loved Barb very much and had the pleasure of working with her at Mid America Bank for almost 7 years. She was a patient and kind and wonderful person. I miss her so much. She is, I know, in the arms of Jesus now.