Barbara Lee “Bobby” Couse, 83, passed away on May 24, 2026, at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas. She was born on May 5, 1943, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Burgess Hollar and Catherine (Hammersmith) Dauwe. Her father gave his life serving his country during World War II, and she was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Johnie Dauwe, whose care and guidance helped shape the strong devotion to family that defined Barbara’s life. On August 22, 1964, Barbara married John “Jack” William Couse at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Together they built a loving home and raised 14 children.
Barbara grew up in Plainville and graduated from Plainville High School in 1960. She attended Friends University for one year before marrying Jack and beginning their life together. Over the years, she worked in dietary services for nursing homes and schools in Palco, Kansas, and later in deli departments at grocery stores in Osborne, Kansas, and Minden, Nebraska. While she was never afraid of hard work, she famously refused to cut the heads off chickens when the family gathered to butcher chickens on the farm.
Barbara found joy in simple things and in caring for others. She loved crocheting and sewing alongside her mother and friends, often creating stuffed animals for the fair. Family was always at the center of her life, and Barbara remained especially close to her parents after marriage, with their homes side by side and a shared garage connecting them. Her daughters fondly remember gathering each day with Barbara and their grandmother to fix lunch together. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, and especially her dogs and cats. Barbara treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for her warm smile and love of jewelry, she also enjoyed styling her children’s and mother’s hair. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and faithfully assisted with funeral dinners through the Daughters of Isabella and church guild.
Barbara is survived by her children: Cindy (Kim) Westberg of Wausau, Wisconsin, John (Lisa) Couse of Plainville, Catherine (Mike) Klein of Plainville, James (Tonia) Couse of Palco, Barbara (Max) Balthazor of Palco, Jacqueline (Don) Lawver of Olathe, KS, Justin (Darcy) Couse of Lucas, KS, Jessica (Rod) Quanz of Glade, KS, Jennifer Gaines of Wichita, Janell Couse of Plainville, Jerrod (Sarah) Couse of Palco, Jeremy Couse of Plainville, and Christina Couse of Hays, KS; daughter-in-law, Bethany Couse of Stockton, KS; bonus sibling, Terry (Alice) Hammersmith of Plainville; brothers-in-law, Gary (Carol) Couse of Abilene, TX and Richard Couse of Fayetteville, NY; sisters-in-law, Janice (Dave) Sunderhaft of Henderson, Nevada, Carol Couse of East Syracuse, NY, Cindy (Greg) Ezell of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Georgia (Clayton) Baker of Brewerton, NY; 34 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Couse; sons, Jason and Joseph Couse; son-in-law, Dan Christiansen; brother-in-law, Jimmy Couse; grandson, A.J. Couse; and great-grandson, Titan Harmon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.
Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor (to activities) and Solomon Valley Larks and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com