Barbara Jean Morton, 89, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 22, 1935, to Arthur and Margaret (Rainwater) Baugher at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas.
Barbara graduated from Trego Community High School and later married Paul Morton on June 19, 1953, in Ellis, Kansas. The couple made their home in WaKeeney, Kansas, where they spent their married life together.
In the early years of their marriage, Barbara dedicated herself to raising her family. She later worked at Travenol in Hays before pursuing her true passion in law enforcement. Barbara worked as a deputy sheriff and dispatcher, a career she cherished until her retirement.
Barbara is survived by her three sons, Terry Morton, James (Kathy) Morton, and David (Kristal) Morton, all of WaKeeney, KS; her daughter, Paula (Craig) Snider of Logan, KS; grandchildren Amber and Paul Larson, Aspen King, Janae and Derrick Morton and Heather Walz; great-grandchildren Kayden Larson, Alex and Kassie King, Ryder and Knox Larson, Kendra, and Alexis Ryan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Margaret Baugher; her husband, Paul Morton; her brother, Tom Baugher; and her sister, Ann Herbig.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS. The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 PM, also at Schmitt Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trego County EMS.
Condolences and messages of support can be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.