Barbara Lee Peniwell King, 77, died peacefully at her home in Melbourne, Florida on February 13, 2012.

Born April 15, 1934 in Wellington, KS to Lois Estelle Peniwell Cox and Everett Cornelius Cox, Barbara was legally adopted and raised by her maternal grandparents, John George Peniwell and Rebecca Lemora (Lee) Burcham Peniwell following her mother's death from complications of the birth.

Upon graduation from Wellington High School where she lettered in band for the clarinet, Barbara moved to Wichita and worked for Boeing Aircraft. An accomplished equestrienne, Barbara rode with several riding clubs, most notably the Heart of America Riding Club and performed as the Standard bearer in numerous parades, including the Royal American Stock Shows. She also was an avid skier, touring Europe with the Kansas City Ski Club.

In 1963 she adopted her son, Christopher and shortly thereafter married then Major Robert King, Jr., USMC (deceased 1991) at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Kansas City, MO. After Col. King's retirement in 1969, the family moved to central Florida where she began a 29 year career as an administrative assistant at English Estates Elementary School in Fern Park. Upon her retirement she moved to Melbourne where her pursuits included support of the Brevard County Zoo and active membership in the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by her stepson, David Robert King, stepdaughter, Dina King Bray, son, Christopher Allan King, four grandchildren, and two nieces.

She will be laid to rest with her mother and her grandmother during a graveside service held at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS on March 10, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Barbara's memory to the Brevard County Zoo at 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940.

"He'll call me some day to my home far away, where His glory forever I'll share."

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.