Phyllis Barnard

Phyllis Mary Esther Barnard (Thomas), 81, of Lawrence, Kansas, transitioned peacefully with the support of her family on February 3, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a short battle with lung cancer. Per her request, no traditional viewing or services will be held. A private family interment will take place at a later date at Prairie Home Cemetery in Menoken, KS.

Phyllis was born on November 28, 1943, to her parents, Viola Thomas (Lang) and Phillip Hunter Thomas, in White City, Kansas, alongside her siblings Frances, Bob, and Bill, all of whom preceded her in death. On a blind date, she met Gary Ralph Barnard in Topeka, KS. They were married on July 28, 1960, and shared 65 years of marriage, living in Emporia, Topeka, and Lawrence, Kansas. Along with Gary, who survives in the home, her children, Rebecca (Steve) Duckworth of Lawrence, Jeffrey Barnard of Denver, CO, and Traci (John) Fullerton of Omaha, NE, will miss her dearly.

Phyllis was blessed with five grandsons (Garrett, Jared, Gage, Logan, and Cooper), two granddaughters (Tarah and Riley), one great-grandson (Owen), and three step-granddaughters (Samantha Isabella and Emma). Her memory lives on through many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In her early married years, Phyllis worked as a counter clerk at Nightengale's department store in Topeka. She later remained at home raising her children and teaching Sunday School at Third Christian Church in Topeka. She also volunteered in the library at Gage Elementary School, where her children attended. After moving to Lawrence in 1979, Phyllis began a long career working at the Douglas County District Court, retiring in 2010, having made many cherished friendships.

She enjoyed bowling and cheering on her grandchildren in their milestones. A proud supporter of the KU Jayhawks, KC Chiefs, and KC Royals. Prior to her decline in health, she and Gary enjoyed taking day and weekend trips around the small towns of Kansas. Frequent travels to Branson, MO, and Houston, TX, were always joyous, filled with a lifetime of memories.

In lieu of services or flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis' honor to the causes she cared most about: the Lawrence Humane Society and the CARE Closet at Lawrence First United Methodist Church.

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