Barbara Ann Solko

Barbara Ann Solko, 82 of Lowell, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. She was born July 3, 1932, in Henley, Neb., to Harold and Alice Kimmel Breinig. Barbara was an active member of the Catholic Church. She taught religious education at both St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon, Kan., and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oberlin, Kan., and traveled to Costa Rica on mission trips to help build churches. Barbara worked with her husband farming and raising chickens for 20 years before being employed with John Deere for over 20 years. She enjoyed reading, gardening and volunteer work. She was a very friendly and compassionate person. She married Elmer Lee Solko on June 2, 1956, in Arapaho, Neb. He preceded her in death in 2011. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Tallant, and a sister, K'Alice Breinig. She is survived by three children, Elmer Ross Solko and wife Gina of Fayetteville, Alicia Russell and husband Kelly of Lowell, Barry Solko and wife Dawn of Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Lavonne Shank of Arvada, Colo., Mary Leonovicz of Omaha, Neb.; one brother, David Breinig of Denver, Colo.; and two granddaughters, Jessica Scoggin and Kylie Russell. A memorial mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oberlin, Kan. Burial will be 12 noon Thursday, Nov. 6, at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a local Diocesan Seminary Fund or to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703.