Barbara "Barb" Kendall

Barbara “Barb” Kendall, 78, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Born on October 23, 1946, in Aurora, Illinois, to Elizabeth Nachreiner and Robert E. Hallisey, Barb spent her formative years in Munich, Germany. It was there, amid European landscapes and cultural richness, that she discovered her lifelong passion for art. She graduated from Munich American High School and carried that creative spark with her throughout her life.

After returning to the U.S. and spending time in Albuquerque, Chicago, and Fayetteville, Barb met the love of her life, Jentry Kendall, in the summer of 1968. She moved to Denver in the fall of 1969 to be with him, and they married on July 1, 1970, building a loving and steadfast partnership that spanned more than five decades. Together, they raised two children—Mike and Courtney—and created a life full of joy, laughter, and meaningful work.

Barb was one of a kind—calm in the face of chaos, steady when others faltered, and always ready with quiet strength and unwavering love. For 29 years, she and Jentry ran a disaster restoration company, where she became a specialist in restoring artwork affected by smoke and water damage. Her steady hand and artist’s eye brought treasured pieces back to life. After leaving the disaster restoration business, Barb continued her creative journey, working at frame shops across the Front Range and in her spare time, producing breathtaking watercolor paintings, wall murals, and even illustrations for a children’s book, “A Year in the Life of Bella, the Best Dog Ever”.

But Barb’s greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, grandmother, and friend, and she poured her heart into each of these roles. As a grandmother, she was a loving and constant presence—helping raise her grandchildren with gentleness, creativity, and endless support. Her quiet confidence, warm smile, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Barb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jentry Kendall; her children, Mike (Julie) and Courtney; her beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Samantha, Piper, Abby, Katie, and Lizzie; her siblings, Bob Hallisey (Jan), Pat Palmer (Darwin), Jack Hallisey (Maryann), Scott Hallisey (Lori), Laura Shuffield, Michael Hallisey, and Kelly Grice (Richard); her brother-in-law, Ron Kendall (Sue); and sisters-in-law, Nancy Scroggins (Ronnie), Carolyn Kendall, and Donna Hamill, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law, Michelle Kendall, and brothers-in-law, Jim Shuffield and Vic Hamill.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at Rocky Mountain Christian Church, 9447 Niwot Road, Longmont, CO 80503.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Judi’s House, 10125 E. 25th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010.

Barb will be remembered not only for her artistic talent, but for her unwavering love, serenity in the face of hardship, and the way she made everyone feel seen and loved. She was truly a special mother and an extraordinary woman. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara "Barb" Kendall, please visit our floral store.