Barbara Jo (Boyce) Rellihan was born February 5, 1943, Kansas City, Missouri, to devoted parents Mae Ellen (Hinkle) and Holmer Boyce. On Wednesday, December 28th, at the age of 79 years old, she lost her long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family at home.
Barbara attended and graduated high school at NorthEast High School in 1961. She married her sweetheart, Philip F. Rellihan Sr., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kansas City MO, in 1962. The two lovebirds celebrated 60 years together in 2022. They were blessed with 5 children: Philip Jr. and his
wife Laurie (Grove), Kimberly K. (Ross), Jennifer, Julie and Jeff. Barbara was a wonderful grandmother to 4 grandchildren: Nick Rellihan, Zack Rellihan, Abby Rellihan-Diveley (Adam), and Adam Ross (Pahini); they all treasured and loved her dearly. She would light up with so much happiness and love for her 5 great grandchildren: Bodhi Ross, Kiaan Ross, Saurin Ross, Quinn Diveley and Henry Diveley.
Barb and husband Philip are longtime residents of Independence, MO and members of Saint Marks Catholic Church. Barb supported her husband as he rose to the Training Center Coordinator for the Pipefitters Local 533. They traveled together to many events, meeting old friends and new ones along the way. After Philip’s retirement they became “snowbirds”, loving the Cape Coral, Florida area. Barb was most importantly a mother, wife and homemaker. Always active in her children’s/grandchildren’s education, sports and activities. Rarely, would she miss an opportunity to support those she loved the most.
Barb worked many years at the Jones Store and was known as the “Linen Queen”, she was the go-to person in the linen department. She loved a good Midnight Madness sale or really a sale on anything anywhere. She was a shopper, collector (especially of shoes), and always dressed in the latest styles. Barb loved beaches, shells, travel, shopping, hummingbirds, angels, soft blankets, Christmas, playing cards, reading, fashion, cookbooks, outings with her women's groups, any reason to celebrate, gift giving, giving driving directions wanted or not, watching Jeopardy and knowing the answers, a good jello salad and her most favorite a Skippy peanut butter sandwich on soft white bread. Barb was one of the strongest women we will ever know. She overcame incredible grief and hardship in her life. She loved and lived fiercely in spite of all she endured. To know Barbara Jo was to be awed by her strength, faith and generosity. She will be missed by all of those who knew her, especially her husband Philip and her family.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve Boyce; daughters, Kimberly Ross, Julie Rellihan, and infant daughter, Jennifer Rellihan; and son, Jeff Rellihan. We find comfort in knowing Barb will be reunited with her children and basks on the glorious beaches in Heaven.
Services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055. Visitation at 10am with funeral mass beginning at 11:30 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the Rellihan family.
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