Barbara L. Wittlief

Barbara L. Wittlief, age 78, of Oronoco, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at her home. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 7, 2016, at Oak Hills Wesleyan Church, 410 28th St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 with Pastor Carl Tenney officiating. The visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. The burial will be in Oronoco Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the church. Barbara Leigh OKane was born on October 28, 1937, in Craig, MO, to James and Ferne (Knapp) O'Kane. She attended schools in Craig, MO and Omaha, NE. Later she attended Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma and received her masters degree in teaching from Peabody College in Memphis, TN. Barbara began her teaching career in Omaha, NE for two years.On August 12, 1967, she married Clair Wittlief in the Nazarene Church in Rochester. She continued teaching in Rochester at Folwell, Hoover and Churchill Elementary Schools. She took an early retirement to care for her mother. Barbara had a love for her friends; family, all animals especially cats, and also enjoyed antique shows. She was known for being warm and friendly. Barbara was an active member at Oak Hills Wesleyan Church in Rochester which she enjoyed very much and served on the church board. She was a past member of the Nazarene Church in Rochester where she served on church boards as a deaconess. Barbara was a Sunday school teacher at both churches for many years.She also belonged to the VFW Post #9647 in Oronoco and was a Chaplain for the Ladies Auxiliary. Barbara is survived by her husband, Clair; brother, James (Pat) OKane of Oklahoma City, OK; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Lorraine) Wittlief, Dale Wittlief and Lyle Wittlief all of Oronoco; many nieces and nephews.Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.rafranzandvinefh.com