Barbara J. Townsend passed away October 29, 2012 at Kadlec Medical Center, surrounded by the caring nurses on the sixth floor. Barbara was born May 19, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent her youth travelling throughout the Eastern United States with her parents, Lea and Milton Slosser. Her father was a well-known pianist/organist and played in the old theaters and movie houses of the 20s and 30s. When her father passed away in 1958, Barbara and her mother relocated to Richland to be near family, and she resided here since that time.

Barbara was a longtime member of Christ the King Parish, where she attended Mass faithfully for many years. She was fiercely independent to the end, wanting only to be in her own home with her beloved dogs.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents and her husband Robert Townsend. She is survived by a host of neighbors, friends, cousins, caregivers and her three loyal dogs. A special thank you goes to all those who cared for Barbara and supported her during her last years, months, and days.

A Memorial Mass will be said for Barbara on Saturday, November 17 at 10 am in the Christ the King Chapel. Any remembrances may be made to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society or to Christ the King.