Barbara A. Huninghake, 43, of Seneca, KS, died Saturday evening, July 14, 2007 at her mother’s home after a battle with cancer.

Barb was born in Axtell, KS on January 15, 1964, the only daughter of Raymond and Rosann Deters Huninghake. Barb attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and Nemaha Valley High School. After graduating from high school in 1982, she attended the University of Kansas and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. In 1999, she graduated from Kaw Valley Vo-tech School in Floral Design.

While in Lawrence, she worked for a group home for children, the Villages. Barb also worked for two years for Sallie Mae before returning to Seneca and taking a job with KMZA radio. She also worked for Koch & Company and the Northeast Kansas Children Services. However, in 1999 she found her true calling when she opened the Victorian Rose florist business. Barb’s more creative side was expressed in each beautiful floral arrangement she made for her customers. She later opened a gift shop called Rachel Anne’s in downtown Seneca. Barb was a dedicated daughter and helped run the family business, the Seneca Theater on Main Street.

Barb was an avid and eclectic collector, accumulating anything from Barbie dolls to different kinds of baskets. She was a member of the Seneca Business Women’s Club, the KU Alumni Association, and the International Floral Association. In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering at the Nemaha County Pony Express Historical Museum and at the restoration of Baileyville’s Marion Hall.

Barb is survived by her mother Rosann of Seneca.

Her father preceded her in death earlier this year on March 20, 2007.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM Tuesday, July 17, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Monday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Nemaha Valley Foundation Scholarship Fund or the donor’s choice, and sent in care of the family.