Barbara Ann Grogan

The Celebration of Life Service will be Livestreamed at: https://boxcast.tv/view/barbara-grogan-celebration-of-life-kpcihkztsp8jh9h9hsbf

Barbara Ann Wiggans Grogan passed away on April 11, 2023.  Barbara was born on the family farm in rural Wilson County Kansas on February 5, 1936, to William and Berneta Wiggans. She was the eldest of 4 siblings…sisters: Lynita, Linda and brother: Bill.

Like most all farm children, Barbara helped with chores around the farm while also attending school.  She found time to participate in basketball while in High School. The Wiggans family was very active in the First Baptist Church of Chanute, Kansas.  Church and church activities were a priority for the whole family even though it was a 13-mile trip to town!  Roller skating was an activity that Barbara really enjoyed and excelled at. During a church roller skating party, she met William (Bill) Grogan.  They became fast friends and ultimately life partners.  Bill and Barb were married on a very hot September 5, 1954. They continued to roller skate into their 40’s!

After marriage, Bill and Barb set up their household in Chanute as Bill took a job with Santa Fe Railroad.  They welcomed 4 children into the family starting in 1955.  Mike, Pat, Jean, and Tom rounded out the Grogan family.  The Grogan’s moved from Chanute, KS to Cleburne, Texas, to Topeka, KS, to Turner, KS, and back to Topeka, KS as Bill followed jobs for Santa Fe. No move was too much for Barbara. She organized, packed, and unpacked and made each new house a home.

Barbara was a very busy mom! Keeping 4 kids clothed, fed, clean and out of trouble was a full-time job!  She was always there for her family.  No school project, last minute requests for cookies or uniform needing washed were too much for Barbara.  Athletic events, dance recitals, church events and community involvement were part of Barb’s everyday life. She never seemed to get flustered or out of sorts with the chaos going on around her.  She even found time to work as an Executive Assistant at Industrial State Bank in Argentine, KS!  Bill and Barb loved to travel to the different cities for their son’s football games.  They very rarely missed a game. They were always there to support the kids in their various activities.

Barb was an excellent seamstress.  She made clothes for all of the children.  Every Grogan family has had at least 1 set of curtains made by mom!  Halloween costumes, school plays and church programs were no match for Barbs creativity and sewing skills.  In addition to sewing, Barb enjoyed crafts and painting.  Most Grogan households have a painting and some sort of craft project from mom.  Gardening and pulling weeds was a passionate form of relaxation for Barbara!  She never met a weed that didn’t need pulling, or flowers that didn’t need watering!

Holidays were a very special time for Barbara.  Decorating the house and yard were a big part of the holiday seasons. She loved having big family get-togethers.  Preparing a big meal and sharing time and fellowshipping around the table always made Barbara happy.  Her sugar and chocolate chip cookies are legendary!  Many a college students enjoyed those special treats from home!

Volunteering at the Church was an integral part of Barbara’s life.  She was always available to help with landscaping, cooking meals, and administrative support. Her church family was truly a part of her family and her life.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, William Grogan; her parents, William and Berneta Wiggans.  Barb is survived by sisters Lynita (Rex), Linda (Gary), brother Bill (Roann);  Children….Mike (Karen) Grogan, Pat (Joanna) Grogan, Jean Weir and Tom (Sharon) Grogan.   13 Grandchildren……Brad (Erica) Grogan, Jeff (Jill) Grogan, Scott (Amber) Grogan, Becky (Klint) Dailey, Matt (Maggie) Grogan, David (Colleen) Weir, Brett (Sarah) Weir, Barbi (Hiram) Raby, Danny (Amanda) Weir, Malinda (Cory) Harden, Joel (Krystal) Grogan, Will Grogan, Wesley (Jacey) Grogan…….and 31 great grandchildren!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Friday, April 21, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66611. Both William and Barbara will be inurned at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in rural Wilson County, Kansas at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Barbara’s memory to the Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W. 75^th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.