Barbara Ann Roddy

Barbara Ann Roddy (Ordos), 88, passed away peacefully on Friday July 7, 2023 at her residence in Overland Park, KS.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Barbara was born October 12, 1934 in Seattle, WA, the daughter of the late John Ordos and Helen Ordos (Grudl).  She grew up in Seattle and graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1952.  The following year, Barbara married her high-school sweetheart, Pat Roddy, beginning a journey of love and adventure.  As a military spouse for over 26 years, Barbara embraced the nomadic lifestyle, accompanying her husband and raising her family in various locations, from Alaska to Germany and everywhere in between.  She formed lifelong friendships along the way, leaving a lasting impact on those she met.

In the early 1970s, Barbara worked for a hospital supply company in Washington, D.C., where she climbed the ranks to become an Office Manager.  Balancing her career, family, and home responsibilities, she thrived in a time when working women had limited role models and support.

In 1982, Barbara and Pat settled in Winchester, Massachusetts, where they spent the next 15 years before they retired in 1996 to Venice, Florida, where golf, friendships, and travel filled their days.  In 2006, she and Pat returned to their roots in Washington State, settling in University Place, before ultimately relocating to Overland Park, Kansas.

Barbara had a zest for life and a passion for traveling, entertaining, and playing bridge and golf. Her innate talent for decorating and gardening was evidenced with each of their 35 relocations, transforming their homes into welcoming and vibrant spaces throughout their military and civilian assignments. With her caring heart, sweet demeanour, and loving spirit, she had a way of bringing people together from different backgrounds wherever she landed.  She was very active in the Catholic Church throughout her life, giving much of her time in service and volunteer work with the Church everywhere they lived.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Patrick McRae Roddy, Sr., and her parents, John and Helen Ordos.  She is survived by her four children: Gregory P. Roddy (Su) of Burke, Virginia; Leslie M. Nelson (Jim) of Village of Loch Lloyd, Missouri; Lisa A. Roddy (John Morum) of Worcester, England; and Patrick M. Roddy, Jr. (Katherine) of Alexandria, Virginia. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Kaitlin and Hannah Roddy, Christine Chesbrough (Daren), Kathryn Dahlgren (Jake), and her beautiful great grandson, Henry Chesbrough.  Barbara was preceded in death by all of her siblings:  Celine Quandt, Marilyn Kulseth, and David Ordos.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm presence and legacy of love, kindness, and joyful spirit will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those she left behind.

Barbara will join her husband Pat at Arlington National Cemetery at a date that will be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to The Universal Living Rosary Association.  Information for donations can be found at www.Philomena.org