Barbara Jean Obholz, age 75, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. A lifelong resident of Hays, Kansas, Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle spirit and warm heart touched all who knew her.
She was born on August 7, 1950 to Charles and Frances (Bolllig) Wooldridge in Hays, KS. She graduated from Hays High School in 1968.
On November 23, 1968, Barbara married the love of her life, Joseph Obholz, and together they built a family rooted in love, commitment, and devotion. Their marriage remained a treasured foundation throughout her life.
Barbara enjoyed the simple joys of life—spending time with her family, listening to music, bowling, and playing bingo. She found happiness in these moments and shared that joy generously with those around her.
She is survived by her son, Joseph Obholz Jr.; her daughters Tammy (Clint) Slater, Amy (Brett) Becker, Melisa (Dustin) Hansen, and Susie (Trevor Engel) Obholz. Barbara was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Haley (Justin) Smead, Caleb (Bec) Jellison, Karsyn Becker, Jackson Becker, Payton (Lauren) Garrison, Dawson Garrison, Brennon Garrison, Maci Garrison, Makayla Garrison, Motsi Slater, Miah Slater, and Braedon Cunningham and beloved brothers and sisters Billy (Nancy) Wooldridge, Patty Wooldridge, Phil Wooldridge, Tudy Wooldridge, Pam (Roy) Driskill, Bruce (Elonda) Wooldridge, Brian (Annette) Wooldridge, Nancy (Skip) Wooldridge and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by, her husband Joseph Obholz, her father Charles Wooldridge, her mother Frances (Bollig) Wooldridge, her son-in-law, Michael Garrison; and her sisters Sharon Gottschalk and Mary “Flossy” Winters.
A celebration of life and memorial service will be set at a later date.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Donations in her honor can be made to any of her children.
Graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetary Hays, KS on Feb. 14, 2026 at 12:00pm
Friend of her daughter ,Manhattan ,Kansas
My thoughts & prayers are you Tammy and all your families. I know your Mom will be so missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Kinda daughter ,Hays ,Kansas
I am very sorry to hear the passing of mom she was a very special lady. I am so glad that you guys allowed me to be able to take care of her for the time I did we had a lot of fun. She and I would always laugh and watch game shows and we just always would have so much fun. She is with dad and that’s where she always wanted to be she is not in pain anymore. You all are in my thoughts and prayers and I love you all kids so much. If you need anything let me know I’m just a phone call away.
Family friend ,Hays ,Kansas
I am so sorry for y’all’s loss but happy to think of her reuniting with papa bear and even getting to meet Elvis! Surely there’s no line up there for that. 🖤🖤
