Barbara Soth

Barbara Jane Soth, 86, of Wichita, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Wichita.

Barbara was born on November 9, 1939, in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer D. and Gladys Unger Balzer. She graduated from Newton High School in 1957. On March 11, 1958, she married the love of her life, James L. Soth, at the rectory of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton.

Barbara began her career at Railroad Savings and Loan in Newton, where she worked for 20 years. She later served another 20 years with the City of Newton Water Department, retiring as a supervisor. She also worked part-time at Maxwell Flowers, where she discovered and nurtured her lifelong love of floral arranging.

She was a devoted member of Bethel College Mennonite Church for 70 years. During that time, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and mentored many high school students through the church’s mentoring program. In addition, Barbara attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church and actively participated in many church activities alongside Jim.

Barbara and Jim were founding members of The Compassionate Friends of Harvey County. She enjoyed baseball, basketball, auto racing, boating, and fishing. She shared her love of cooking and baking with her son Tim and her grandson Brycen.

For 20 years, Barb and Jim were part of the Pig Roast Group, hosting annual gatherings that brought friends together for memorable evenings of laughter and fellowship. They also enjoyed participating in Supper Club and Rural Life.

Survivors include her son, Terrance L. Soth and his wife, Patricia, of Wichita; her grandson, Brycen Soth of Newton; her granddaughters, Courtney Feikert (Larkin) of Haysville, Olivia Allen of Memphis, Tennessee, and Lauren Allen of Wichita; her brother, Francis Balzer; and her nieces and nephews, Jason Balzer (Stacy), David Balzer (Amanda), and Stefanie Roth (Steve). She is also survived by many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; her son, Timothy; and her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Balzer.

Barbara found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her great-nieces and great-nephews, who brought endless light and laughter to her life.

The family would like to thank Cedarhurst Senior Living and Good Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional care of Barb.

In lieu of flowers…family suggests the following Memorials: Good Shepherd Hospice, The Compassionate Friends of Harvey County, or Bethel College Mennonite Church.