Barbara Christine Couchman, 75, died Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at the Comanche County Hospital, Coldwater, KS. She was born March 15, 1938, at Dr. Shelley's office on Main Street in Coldwater and was the daughter of Verner and Mabel (Workman) Blackard.

A lifetime resident of Coldwater, she was a registered nurse. Barbara was a member of the United Methodist Church and Beta Sigma Phi of Coldwater. She attended grade and high school in Coldwater and was a graduate of Coldwater High School. She graduated from Wesley School of Nursing.

In January of 1958, she started as a student nurse, being paid $7.25 per day and worked 19 days at that rate. She began working at Comanche County Hospital in August of 1959 and became director of nursing in July of 1976. In addition, Barbara assisted in surgery and obstetrics.   She later became the interim hospital administrator and worked until June of 1988 when she became clinic nurse for Dr. Goering. Barbara returned the hospital in February of 1991, working in medical records until she retired in January of 2002, after 41 years of service.

On July 22, 1967, she married Charles Couchman at the Methodist Church in Coldwater. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons: Monte Bruce Couchman and his wife Cindy of Lindsborg, KS and Jeff Charles and his wife Jill of Newton, KS; a foster son: Travis Benoist and his wife Amariah of Salina, KS; three brothers: Pat Blackard of Marysville, KS; Bob Blackard and his wife Brenda of Independence, KS; and Mike Blackard and his wife Kathy of Beaver, OK; a sister: Ginger Clark and her husband Richard of Protection; six grandchildren: Clayton, & Carter, Lauren, Samuel Couchman and Mahpiya-Chauncy and Mato-Thorpe Benoist. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Woods.

Funeral services is at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2014, at the United Methodist Church, Coldwater, with the Rev. Gary Merritt presiding. Memorials may be sent to the Comanche County Hospital, Coldwater, in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.