Artist, Mother, Wife, Friend

Barbara Bueller passed away Monday, Dec. 14 in Longmont, Colorado, from health complications, including COVID-19 related pneumonia. A loving mother, wife, and artist, she is survived by her husband Richard of 48 years, and children, Uriah, Joshua, and Anna. Barbara is remembered for her creativity and for being a champion of the arts in people’s lives. Even in her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, she taught those around her to expect greatness in others and embrace the abundance of joy in life. She found the most joy in spending time with Richard, in discussing art ideas with Uriah, in listening to Josh sing, and in sharing life with Anna. She had a devotion and passion for her family above all else.

Born of English and French ancestry to Robert and Anne Bundy in Ottawa, Kansas, Barbara was the fourth of five children. Her father was a respected business manager at Ottawa University and her mother, an expert quilter and quilt designer. Barbara graduated Ottawa High School and Ottawa University and then worked as a designer for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. In 1972, she married Richard Bueller in her parents’ backyard. Richard, a New Yorker born to first generation Jewish immigrants, came to Ottawa University to study art and education. Once married and relocated in the Bronx, the couple were founding members of the Bronx Household of Faith and became parents of three children while Richard taught middle school and art therapy. Barbara was known for her elaborate parties, beautiful table settings, and deep, honest relationships with her friends.

In 1986, the family of five moved from the Bronx to the east end of Hutchinson, Kansas, where Barbara shared her talents as a schoolboard member in Buhler, KS and served in curriculum development in art education.  They joined the First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson and raised their children on 4-H, musical theatre from Broadway, and good food. Barbara’s traditions, gifts, and meals to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, and Passover were memorably extravagant.

Then in 1997, they moved to Lafayette, Colorado, and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Boulder. In the Centennial State, Barbara finished raising Anna and started a new period in her artwork, called, “Gridwork Rippings.”

Over the years, Barbara’s art appeared in shows at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder and Serendipity III in NYC. Her designs caught the attention of Hallmark Cards and the United States Olympic committee. But she’ll be best remembered for working to make sure that every child had an art teacher and for creating patterns of color in everything she touched. She loved the simplest flower but lived by embracing the abundance of the world around her. She found peace in nature – especially the Rocky Mountains, and she never compromised in her art. These are the things that will continue to inspire her friends and family for years to come.

Services will be held at 11:00 MST on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 with congregants attending remotely for the formal service and afterward to share memories in celebration of the life of Barbara.  Details will be forthcoming on the "Funeral Information" page of this site.

The interment of ashes will take place in 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson, KS. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in tribute to Barbara Bueller may be made to Jewish Family Service, www.jewishfamilyservice.org