Lue Edna Diver Barndollar passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022, surrounded by her children. She touched many lives with her abundant energy, positive outlook on life and leaves a legacy of love and community.
Lue was born December 31, 1933, in Clay Center, KS, to Edna Lenora (Duncan) Diver and Robert Warren Diver, M.D. The family moved to Coffeyville in 1937 where Dr. ("Doc") Diver established a practice specializing in eye, ear, nose, and throat. Lue attended Coffeyville schools through the eighth grade and then, as a boarding student, attended Ward-Belmont Preparatory School in Nashville, TN, from which she graduated in 1951. She next attended the University of Kansas, where she was affiliated with Chi Omega, until her marriage to Pratt Barndollar Jr. in 1953. When their youngest child started school, Lue returned to college, eventually receiving a B.A. and an M.A. in English and an Education Specialist Degree in Community College Education from Pittsburg State University.
Joining Coffeyville Community College in 1978 as an English instructor, she received that institution’s first Distinguished Professor award in 1985 and was subsequently the recipient of an Award for Teaching Excellence from the International Institute for Staff and Organization Development. In 2008 Lue was honored as Distinguished Retiree and in 2010 as Distinguished Alumnae. She also was named the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator in Higher Education. Through her years as an employee of the College, Lue served the school in many capacities: English Instructor, Honors Program Coordinator, Division Chair, Academic Challenge Coach, Humanities Tour Leader, and Grant Coordinator. Extra special memories include the Academic Challenge Team winning the 1986 state championship in the Academic Excellence Challenge competition and exposing students to the wonders and education of international travel through many Humanities Department tours to Scotland, England, Ireland, Greece and more. In 2019 the College dedicated a special garden to Lue for her continued service and support.
Always active in the community, at various times Lue served as Sunday School teacher, Camp Fire leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA Picture Lady, Red Cross Water-Safety Instructor, P.E.O. officer, and Trustee of the Coffeyville Public Library. In 2003, she was elected to the Coffeyville Community College Board of Trustees, serving as Board Chair for four years. She also served as a College Foundation trustee.
Local history was long her interest. Lue was a member of the Coffeyville Historical Society board for many years and served as President for eleven. She was also a founding member of the Friends of the Brown Mansion, serving as its President. Through the years she authored several successful grant applications for funds which helped with the restoration of the Brown Mansion. Lue also published several works related to Coffeyville history, including What Really Happened on October 5, 1892: An Attempt at an Accurate Account of the Dalton Gang and Coffeyville (1992).
Lue was well-read and intellectually curious. She was the "Grammar Queen" and ensured her family appropriately used apostrophes, never confused a subject with an object, or ended a sentence with a preposition. Her children take responsibility for any grammatical errors in her obituary and ask for your grace.
Lue is preceded in death by her husband Pratt who passed away in 2015. She is survived by son Pratt III and wife Shelley Barndollar of Houston, TX, daughter Florence Lue and husband Mark Hurlbutt of Coffeyville; daughter Rebecca Ann and husband Richard Snook of Austin, TX, and son Peter Warren Barndollar of Kansas City, MO. Eight much loved grandchildren and spouses also survive: Matt and wife Casey Jo Hurlbutt of Dallas, TX; Callie and husband Cody Young of Coweta, OK; Tyler and wife Brittany Barndollar of Calgary, Alberta; Joe and wife Emily Barndollar of Breda, Netherlands; Judson and wife Samantha Snook of Dallas, TX; Samantha and husband Cole Kitchel of College Station, TX; Cole and Luke Barndollar of Houston, TX. Seven great-grandchildren also survive: Charley, Maddie and Hadley Young of Coweta, Rhett and Jake Barndollar of Calgary, Holden Snook and Burkley Hurlbutt of Dallas. Lue was very close to her two nieces, Molly McCoy of Spokane, WA and Katy McCoy of Kansas City, MO. Lue also leaves many close friends who were a great source of support and fun throughout her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lue Barndollar Memorial Scholarship at Coffeyville Community College, 400 W. 11th St., or The Coffeyville Historical Society, PO Box 843 both of Coffeyville, KS 67337. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel
Register signing and viewing will be held on Monday, October 31 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS 67337. Visitation will be at the First United Methodist Church, 304 W. 10th St, in Coffeyville on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The funeral service celebrating Lue’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church. Lue will be laid to rest next to her husband Pratt in Elmwood Cemetery following the service. Services will be streamed live under her obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com where you may also leave an online word of condolence or share a memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lue Barndollar Memorial Scholarship at Coffeyville Community College, or The Coffeyville Historical Society. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel.
