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BARBARA JEAN DeKUNDER OLSEN
1934 - 2016
Bio
Newspaper Article(s)
OLSEN
On May 16, 2016, Barbara Jean DeKunder Olsen passed from this life to the next. There was a great celebration
in heaven where angels received her. Suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia for many years, her battle became very difficult
in the last few weeks. She battled her disease with tremendous grace and dignity, never giving up hope. The family is thankful for
the exceptional care provided by Dr. Roger Lyons and his staff at Texas Oncology; Dr. Fernando Lopez; and the transfusion staff
at Methodist Hospital, in particular Nurse Angela. Her family has been faithfully by her side throughout this difficult journey.
Barbara was born in San Antonio on November 25, 1934. She was a proud Coker descendant, with family roots tracing back to the Battle
of San Jacinto, Coker Cemetery and Coker United Methodist Church. She attended Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, where she
met the love of her life, Homer. They have been inseparable ever since. Their 60th wedding anniversary would have been on September
1st.
After settling in Midland, Texas, Barbara and Homer raised their four children in a traditional household. Barbara ran an
efficient home and focused on her family's needs. They were members of First United Methodist Church where Christian values,
integrity and family devotion were important.
Homer and Barbara moved Olsen Energy, Inc. to San Antonio in 1982. For 35 years they have been faithful members of Coker United
Methodist Church, as well as beloved members of the Questor's class.
Barbara was an exceptional entertainer, and enjoyed hosting friends and family. Her delicious food was always made with loving
hands. She had an extraordinary flair for interior decorating, design and color, and shared this skill with many. Her
organizational skills were unmatched. She loved the game of bridge and played in many groups throughout her life. Barbara lived to
plan vacation itineraries and travel with her friends and family. On a recent memorable trip, Barbara and her three daughters
attended an Oscar party in Los Angeles where she shone brighter than the stars.
Her family will remember her as a classy, devoted, courageous lady who led her life as an example to all. Barbara is survived by
her husband of nearly sixty years Homer, her four children Cindy Schneider (David), Rusty Olsen (Karen), Cathy Bailey (Dane) and
Christy White (Scott). She left behind ten wonderful grandchildren, Diana Rendon (Ray), Kristen Boerger (Jonathan), David
Schneider, Nicole Olsen, Chris Olsen, Morgan Bailey, Laura Bailey, Delaney White, Kayla White and Avery White. Two great
grandchildren, Ava Rendon and Weston Boerger are also part of her legacy. In addition, her bereaved family includes her brothers
Joe DeKunder (Edna), Tom DeKunder (Mary Ann) and Alan DeKunder (Jean).
A visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2101 N. Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday,
May 20th. A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at Coker United Methodist Church, 231 North Loop Road, San Antonio, at
3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21st, with burial to follow in Coker Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Schneider, Chris Olsen,
Larry Brister, and her brothers Joe, Tom and Alan DeKunder. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Barbara's
name to the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center Foundation, Coker United Methodist Church, and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com.
Arrangements with:
Porter Loring Mortuary - North Location
2102 N. Loop 1604 East
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 495-8221
Published in the San Antonio Express-News on May 20, 2016.
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