Barbara Louise Eanes

Barbara Louise Eanes was born February 28, 1922 to Edith and Bernard Ryan in Denver, CO. Her childhood was spent ice skating at Berkley Lake, enjoying 5 cent rides at Lakeside Amusement Park with her brother Bud, and visiting her grandparents in Twin Lakes. She also began piano lessons in her youth, which led to her lifelong love of music and her career as a musician in various capacities. She graduated from North High School in 1939 and went on to earn an Associates Degree in music from Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. She next attended DU, earning a degree in education, and it was then, in May of 1943, that she met Robert Conrad Eanes, affectionately known as Connie. Barbara had an opportunity to travel the world as a concert pianist, but instead decided to stay in Denver with Connie and they were married in November, 1943, They spent nearly 62 years together before his passing in 2005. Barbara began her teaching career in Craig, CO and also taught at Westminster Elementary and Berkley Gardens Elementary. As the music teacher at Berkley, each Christmas she wrote an operetta for the children to perform, as well as having them perform portions of The Mikado, and other classical works. She was also the guest pianist for the Denver and Boulder symphonies on several occasions. In 1962 she was hired to be the choir director at the brand new Ranum High School. She taught at Ranum until 1978 and impacted numerous lives during her tenure. Early in her career at Ranum, she penned, directed, and produced a musical, Welcome Home Harry, in its entirety. She was also instrumental in bringing Antonio Brico as a guest conductor for the combined choirs and orchestras of Ranum and Westminster High Schools. Barbara nurtured and fostered the musical careers of many students while at Ranum. Several of these students have continued to visit her over the years, even sitting with her in her final weeks of life. In retirement, Barbara and Connie made their home near New Castle, Colorado, and were both very involved in the community. They were members of a cooperative antique store for several years. Barbara directed the choir and played the organ at a small congregational church, writing musical revues for the choir members to perform, while continuing to give piano and vocal lessons to members of the community. Barbara is preceded in death by her loving husband, Connie, and her brother, Bud. She is survived by her daughters Edith (Scott) Weiler of Santa Rosa, California, and Tamara (John) Lohner, of Arvada; son Robert C. Eanes II of Las Vegas; grandchildren Carissa Callender and Trish Weiler of Santa Rosa, and Ian, Colleen and Devin Lohner of Arvada; and three great-grandchildren, Jordan Weiler and Jaeden and Kai Callender of Santa Rosa. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on June, 16, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Ralston's Crossing Event Center, 7400 Indiana Street, Arvada, Colorado. A reception will immediately follow at the family's home, details will be given at the service. Please share your memories of Barbara and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.