Barbara Frels peacefully passed away at home on December 18, 2024. She was 80 years old.
Barb was born October 12, 1944, to Arla and Bennie Qualls in Torrington, WY. Raised by Arla and stepfather Clive Miller, the family later moved to North Platte and Barb graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of 1963.
On June 16, 1963, Barb married Donald Frels at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey and the young couple moved into a sod house on the family farm east of Hershey. In 1967, they built their present home on the same property where they raised their three children.
Along with being a wife and mother of three, Barb and Don were foster parents to many babies and high school girls. Professionally, Barb was a hairdresser and realtor. She graduated from North Platte Beauty Academy in 1973 and was a hairdresser for 11 years, first for others and then as the owner of Legato Beauty Shop in Hershey. She sold the shop in 1979 before receiving her Nebraska Real Estate License and was a realtor for over 35 years.
Barb had a positive outlook on life due to her strong faith. She was a member of Maria Lutheran Church and served as a former council member. She also belonged to the Lincoln County Board of Realtors, National Board of Realtors, Union Pacific Jr. Old Timers, the Velvet Spurs Riding Club, and was an Honorary Curtis Aggie.
Barb had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards with friends, and traveling. She especially loved their time in Arizona. In her retirement, she embroidered personalized tea towels to share with others. Barb rarely missed her grandchildren's activities and was often considered a second grandma to the grandchildren's friends. Barb not only loved her family, but she loved her friends like family. She and her high school group, "The Troop," loved traveling, socializing, and sharing the ups and downs of life together.
Barb is survived by her husband, Don, of 61 years; their children, Julie (Chuck) Kinnaman of Kearney, Jon (Shelley) Frels and James (Kerry) Frels of Hershey; grandchildren, Alex Kinnaman, Annie (Jack) Kinnaman, Addison Kinnaman, Ashley (Joe) Weigel, Lily Frels, Clay Frels, and Jenna Frels; great-grandson, Lyric; stepsister, Sandra Betz; sisters-in-law, Jann Qualls and Jackie Qualls; brother-in-law, Robert (Bette) Frels; special nieces and nephews, other family, and her many friends, including "The Troop."
She was preceded in death by her father, Bennie Qualls; mother and stepfather, Arla and Clive Miller; her brothers, Milburn and Gerald Qualls; and infant twin sister, Sandra Lou.
Visitation with the family present is 1-4 p.m., Sunday, December 22, at Odean Colonial Chapel then cremation will follow. Celebration of Barb's life is 11 a.m., Monday, December 23, at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey with Pastor Wade Hudson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Hershey Fire and Rescue, Maria Lutheran Church or an organization of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.