Celebrating the Life of

Barbara (Enoch) Kuhlmann

January 12, 1952 – June 16, 2022

Prelude 

Opening Sentences 

Greeting    

Opening Prayer

Great, ageless, timeless, grace-giving God, you have taught us that all who mourn shall be comforted. We await the fulfillment of your word, your promises. Comfort us and help us to trust you more deeply.

Here and now, we stop and reflect as we think about the ways that you created Barb. We give you thanks for this gift that continues to bless us into the future.

With the presence and love of one another, with the words of scripture, prayers, songs - as well as with silence and memories of Barb - we seek your tenderness, your strength, your healing. Make yourself known to us during this time of worship and celebration of life, for Barb is with you completely now and enveloped in your light...no pain, no questions, no doubts or fears...just hope, peace, joy, love...and sweet reunion. Help us to find resurrection faith and inspiration now. Amen.

Hymn All Creatures of our God and King, v1-5

Story Time The Araboolies of Liberty Street             Brenda Kraber

Sam Swope, author and Barry Root, illustrator

Unison Psalter Reading Psalm 23 (King James Version)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: or thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reading from the New Testament Fruits of the Spirit 

Galatians 5:22-23 (Common English Bible)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.

Music Somewhere Over the Rainbow                              Jon Kuhlmann

Performed by Amy Studt and Nathaniel Dahm

Photo by Andy Kuhlmann

Words of Remembrance and Hope

Combined Youth Choirs I Danced in the Morning

Children from Kirkwood United Methodist Church

and Parkway United Church of Christ

Prayers and Lord’s Prayer

Our [Creator/Mother/Father/Holy One] who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

[A variety of names for God are welcome here – including in the Lord’s Prayer.]

Hymn In the Midst of New Dimensions

Benediction

Peace - It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

Postlude

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Thank you for being here with us as we share in the grief and the gratitude. Please take time to greet Barb’s family as you leave the sanctuary and make your way into the Gathering Space. Remember to pick up some cookies too!

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Barbara (Enoch) Kuhlmann

A radiant light and fountain of joy was lost when Barbara “Barb” (Enoch) Kuhlmann passed away in Kirkwood, MO on June 16, 2022. She was 70 years old.

She was born on January 12, 1952 to Walter and Martha Enoch in Indianapolis, IN. After Barb graduated from Parkway West High School, she went on to Milligan College to study Music. Music was not just Barb’s passion, but a gift that she gave back to scores of people in her communities. 

Barb was a beloved choir teacher and was known for her own beautiful soprano voice. She was most recently Christian Education and Youth Director for more than ten years at Parkway United Church of Christ, and a preschool teacher at PUNS (Parkway United Nursery School) for even longer. Before Parkway, Barb spent over fifteen years teaching the youth choirs at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church.

Barb’s whole life revolved around graciously serving others. She was known for her silly sense of humor, her bubbling spirit, and her beautiful smile, which instantly lit up any room. She had so much love and joy for the Lord, and she shared that love through her creative educational ways to connect with children. Barb always had the heart of a child, and it gave her a unique ability to relate with the children she taught. Barb always made it a priority to attend games, concerts, and theatrical events to support her children and grandchildren. She was adored by her family.

Barb is survived by her two sons, Andy Kuhlmann of Santa Fe, NM and Jon Kuhlmann of Des Peres, MO; father Walter Enoch; sisters Beverly McCrady of Atlanta, Ga, and Brenda Kraber of Chicago, IL; and grandchildren Morgan Kuhlmann and Tyler Kuhlmann (both of Des Peres, MO). She was predeceased by her mother Martha Enoch and her sister Becky Hinderhan.

A Celebration of Barb’s life will be held at Parkway United Church of Christ on Saturday July 30th at 3 pm, with a reception thereafter. If you’d like to make a gift on behalf of Barb, donations to Parkway United Church of Christ can be sent to 2841 N. Ballas Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131.