Barbara Jean Reeves peacefully went home to her Lord and Savior on February 24, 2024. She was residing at Nottingham Nursing and Rehab in Olathe, KS at the time of her death. Nottingham staff lovingly cared for her over a year and a half.
Barbara J. Herbel was born on March 15, 1941, to Carl and Elsie Herbel on the family homestead in Lucas, KS. She was raised with two brothers, Norman and Clayton.
Barbara had fond memories of her education starting in a one-room school house. She graduated in 1959 from Lucas High School. Barbara then put herself through Brown Mackie Business School in Salina, KS. During this time, she met her life-long best friend, Nancy Pierce DiMatteo.
She then met her husband, Amon Reeves, at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, KS. He was a Mississippi boy stationed there and she was working in a Classified section of the base. They were married on December 1, 1963, in Lucas, KS. They were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly and Kristine.
Barbara worked tirelessly to help support her family. In addition to working on the family farm, Barbara proceeded to work in the Clerk of the Russell County District Court office for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, parents and brothers.
She is survived by her daughters and her beloved grandchildren. Kim Miller (Patrick Miller) of Great Bend, KS. Granddaughters Lauren and Abigail Miller. Kris Manning (Patrick Manning) of Lawrence, KS and Grandchildren Spencer and Amy Manning.
Barbara’s priorities in life were simple; faith and family. She was a Prayer Warrior and led the family with her strong faith. Barbara faced many challenges in her life but never lost her faith in the Lord. Nothing brought her more joy than her 4 grandchildren. She was a lover of KU basketball, never missing a game until the very end — Rock Chalk! We will miss her sense of humor — she taught us to laugh even during the hardest of times. She loved history, playing cards and learning. She was so very proud that her entire family chose to pursue higher education. Let her dedication to faith and loving others serve as a guide for all to emulate.
Service will be Saturday, March 9 th at 11 a.m. at The Lucas Community Church- 322 N Main St., Lucas, KS, 67648. Burial will be in Lucas Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to Lucas Community Church or Nottingham Nursing and Rehab, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
