Barbara Lou Bollinger (Swearingen)

Barbara Bollinger, 63, of Blue Springs, MO lost her life on May 2, 2015 after a long and hard fight against breast cancer. During those 10 years she would say that the cancer doesn’t define me and I will not let it win. This strong attitude allowed her to live a very fulfilling life where she was able to be a wife for 42 years, a mother, a grandparent (MooMa and Gaga), and a teacher to 1000’s of students in the Blue Springs School District where she taught them to love reading. She was born on November 18, 1951 in Richmond, MO. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1969. She was the yearbook editor, in choir, and in Girl Scouts. She then attended SMSU where she graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s in Recreation. In 1972, she met her husband Tom Bollinger. The two were married that year and stayed in Springfield, MO where Barb worked with children as a teacher, volunteer, and a secretary. In 1977, she had her daughter Becky and in 1980 a son named Geoff. In 1990, she moved with her family to Blue Springs, Missouri where she worked as a preschool teacher at Child’s World. In 1999, she started working for the Blue Springs School District as a Library Media Specialist. She completed her degree from CMSU in 2002. Outside of all of this, she enjoyed playing with her dogs, volunteering, gardening, reading, attending her grandchildren’s events, and spending time with her family. Barb was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Betty Swearingen and her brother Denny Swearingen. She is survived by her husband Tom Bollinger; daughter Becky Gempeler and husband Chris; son Geoff Bollinger and wife Frannie; grandchildren Ava Bollinger, Bella Bollinger, Gabbie Gempeler, and Gino Bollinger. She has touched so many lives in her lifespan and all of those people will miss her. We now all have a special angel watching over us. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Independence, MO 64055. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m., until service time Wednesday at the chapel. Donations can be made to Northcare Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)