Barbara Dolores Haynes Mika, age 97, formerly of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away January 18, 2025, at Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kansas. Barb was born August 28, 1927, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey Morton Haynes Jr. and Blanche Agnes Shaw.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Eugene Mika, her parents, her brother William Frederick Haynes, her sister Marilyn Blanche Haynes Mullican and her granddaughter Katherine E. (Katie) Mika.
Barb is survived by her son Robert E. Mika (Rita), daughter Marilyn L. Reynolds (Landis), grandchildren Christopher T. Mika (Courtney) and Mikayla Reynolds, and great-granddaughters Abigail B. Mika and Annie N. Mika.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas to a musical family, Barb had a life-long love of music and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Gene, she moved to Prairie Village in 1954, building her home of 62 years with her husband, son, and other family members. In addition to building her home, she expressed her creativity through sketching, gardening, ceramics, painting and sewing costumes for her daughter’s many dance recitals.
After raising her children, she embarked on her professional career as an Administrative Assistant which culminated with 18 years in the Anesthesiology Department at KU Medical Center. Her greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with her three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Barb and Gene also shared a love of travel, which included numerous cruises, a trip to Hawaii and other tropical destinations.
She never met a stranger and everyone that knew her said that she was the kindest and gentlest person they had ever known. She loved everyone unconditionally and will be greatly missed by all.
Celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, with visitation beginning at 2pm and service starting at 3pm at Porter Funeral Home 8535 Monrovia St. Lenexa, Kansas. Entombment on Monday, January 27th, 2025, at 1pm at Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kansas.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Katherine E. (Katie) Mika Endowed Scholarships, The University of Saint Mary, 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 or Ascend Hospice, 4550 W 109th St. Overland Park, Kansas 66207.