Barbara Cothron

Barbara Cothron was called Home unexpectedly to the arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 2, 2024. She was born on July 11, 1947, the second daughter of parents Frank Kallbreier and Dorothy Kenney. Barbara's early years were spent in a bustling household with brothers: Wally and Charlie, and sister: Anne. An avid and gifted student, Barbara attended high school at Angela Merici (class of 1965). In addition to earning her high school degree, it was there that Barbara met Bill Cothron, who she began dating and would later marry. During the first few years of their marriage, Bill and Barbara traveled extensively and embarked on adventures in numerous foreign countries! After 7 years together and their bond forever sealed, they started their family and had children Kent, Camille, and Blake. Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master's in Elementary Education from the University of Louisville, worked for a few years at Standard Oil, and then started teaching at St Helen's elementary school. Barbara had a deep passion for teaching, working long hours outside of school to update and perfect her Lesson Plans, year after year after year. She would later teach primary grade school at St Denis, Auburndale, Sanders, Trunnell, and Schaffner. Barbara finally retired from teaching (at Schaffner) in 2009. Numerous students still wrote to her, to this very day, to let her know the impact she had on their early educations. Barbara grew up in the South End of Louisville and spent her entire life there. She never stopped believing in the potential of Louisville's South End and eagerly patronized new local stores, mom-and-pop businesses, and restaurants. It felt like everyone in Shively knew Barbara, as there were literally few places she could go without "running into" someone she knew or someone who knew her! Barbara enjoyed classic movies, religious TV programming, reading books extensively, country and classical music, Fox News, travel, working elaborate puzzles, playing Scrabble, and animals. Her legendary trivia team "The Dixie Cats" played every Tuesday for numerous years, scoring first place victories on a regular basis. She deeply loved her current pet dog Mini and cats Junebug and Kaiser. She missed prior pet dogs Auggie, Violet, and Gus, along with the classic lineage of Cothron-cats. Most of all, Barbara loved the people she surrounded herself with. Barbara was often the heart of her social groups, and would actively encourage her various friend groups to keep getting together and not lose touch. Barbara would lose her husband Bill Cothron in 2010 and her second husband Herman Leep in 2022, all of whom remained dear to her heart for her remaining days. Her later years were blessed with the birth of first grandson Gideon Cothron in 2016, who gave Barbara all new inspiration and purpose, along with the new title of "Nana." They shared a deep and special relationship; Barbara's last roadtrip in life was to Danville, KY to see Gideon perform in his school play of Charlotte's Web. Barbara was a devout, lifelong Christian and absolutely adored her church family at Hillview Community Church, including Reverend Ken Cutrer and wife Gretchen, along with far too many others to list. She lived out her faith daily in her deep concern and compassion for people. Her generosity was seen by all who knew her whether it be through a kind deed, a completely unexpected lunch date, or a spontaneous card or gift! She will be missed, loved, and remembered by those she touched. Forever. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Kent Cothron, Camille Kuzman (David), and Blake Cothron, along with 3 grandchildren: Gideon Cothron, Clay William Kuzman (named in tribute to Barbara's husband and father-in-law), and June Kuzman; step-grandchild Channing Kuzman; and daughter-in-law Rachel Cothron. She is also survived by brothers: Walter Kallbreier (Susan) and Charlie Kallbreier; and sister: Anne Luttrell. Visitation is 12 PM to 8 PM this Thursday, June 13 and Friday June 14 at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216. On Saturday June 15, a Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM (noon), followed immediately by a Funeral Service at 12 PM (noon) at Hillview Community Church, 5319 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216. Interment will follow at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Barbara's special project: "The Book Fairy". Thanks to Barbara, every year at Christmas time, students at St. James Academy and Crab Orchard Elementary received gift bags filled with books, art, and school supplies.

Barbara Cothron

July 11, 1947 - June 2, 2024