Barbara Coltharp

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Barbara Jean Arnold Coltharp passed from this life Monday, May 15, 2023, at Oakview Estates, Frontenac, KS. She was born August 31, 1932 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Robert A. and Ruby (Davis) Arnold. She graduated from Stillwater High School and attended Oklahoma State University and Phillips University. 

She married Forrest L. Coltharp on June 14, 1952 in Stillwater, Oklahoma; he preceded her in death in July, 2020. They moved to Pittsburg in 1964, when her husband joined the Mathematics Department faculty at Pittsburg State University. 

Barbara was a 40-year member of First Christian Church, where she served as an Elder, was active in Disciples Women, 20th Century Sunday School Class, Mary and Martha service group and in various departments. She has been a member of Countryside Christian Church since 2004. 

She was on the originating board of Mother to Mother Ministry, on the official boards of Birthright, Friends of the Pittsburg Public Library, and the Salvation Army. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an avid reader.

Survivors include her brothers Robert J. Arnold, Stillwater, OK and William D. Arnold and his wife Linda, Wichita, KS, sons, Douglas Coltharp, Manila, Philippines, Dr. Kent Coltharp and his wife Judy, Pittsburg, KS and Dr. Glenn Coltharp and his wife Dr. Hazel, rural Asbury, MO, her eight grandchildren: Kyle Coltharp and wife, Tracy, Overland Park, KS, Angela Coltharp, Austin, TX, Chris Coltharp, Joplin, MO, Dr. Ashleigh Heter and husband Jon, Pittsburg, KS, Tamara Coltharp, Austin, TX, Dr. Jean Coltharp (Luke Awad), Joplin, MO, Robert Quinten Coltharp, Huron, SD, and Benjamin Coltharp (Laura Phillips), Joplin, MO, and 5 great grandchildren, Andrew, Brady and Rylee Coltharp, Overland Park, KS, Natalie and Brooke Heter, Pittsburg, KS, and Kelce Coltharp, Joplin, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. A private graveside service is under the direction of Brenner's Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest gifts to Pittsburg State University Mathematics Department's Coltharp Family Mathematics Education Scholarship, or the Pittsburg State University Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing and may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.