It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of the matriarch of our family, Barbara "Babs" Kohut. She slept away peacefully in Hospice care at Elmhurst Extended Care on October 8th at 5:30 in the morning. Barbara is survived by her sons Cory and Scott, her husband Bob, daughter-in-law Abigail and former daughter-in-law AnaPaula, her grandchildren Eleanor and Henry, and her two sisters, Susan and Mary. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ramona Barnhart, and her brother Bruce Barnhart.

Barbara was born in Chicago on March 16th, 1947, the second child of John Omer Barnhart and Ramona Lynch Barnhart. The family moved to Richmond Indiana, where Barbara was raised and created lifelong friendships. She graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati and later moved to Chicago.

It was on a Chicago "L" train platform, during her morning commute, that she spotted the man who would become her husband – Bob Kohut. They married in 1975 and separated in 1996. Although apart, they remained close, sharing holidays and a wealth of stories of the lives and loves of their beloved sons, Cory and Scott.

The hallmark of Barbara's life was her unbridled optimism in the goodness of people and in the world around her. She thrived on community, friendship, and togetherness — most evident in her role as the driving force behind 'the block,' a close-knit community within a community for the residents of the 900 block of Hayes. She touched and shaped the lives of countless people throughout her career as a Teacher, Daycare owner, and Realtor.

Sometimes she flew by the seat of her pants but was always driven by her love of people. In as little as five minutes, she could make someone feel like she was part of their family and vice versa. She loved everyone and everything around her, but above all else was her unbounded love of her two sons, Cory and Scott, and now her grandchildren Henry and Eleanor.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All to meet Monday at St. Edmund Church, 188 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment private.

Arrangements entrusted to Frank Reda, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.