Patsy Ann Barnard, 87, was reunited with her beloved husband of 66 years, Jack Barnard, on March 2, 2022. Jack passed away on March 27, 2020.
Patsy passed away peacefully at Whispering Pines Retirement Home in Norton, Kansas. With her at the time of her passing were her daughters, Judy and Jennifer, and her son, Carter.
Patsy was born on May 19, 1935, in Smithville, Missouri, the youngest of three children of Thomas and Gladys Witt. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her parents, her brother, Richard Witt, her sister, Doris Moore, and one great-great granddaughter. She is survived by four children, and their spouses, Jennifer and Greg, Judy, Carter and Jeanne, Kelly and Tracy. In addition, she is survived by nineteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Patsy grew up in Harrisonville, Missouri. As a young girl, she perfected her tree climbing skills, and was the only girl allowed in the Monkey Club. In high school, she went on to become a standout basketball player, as well as the homecoming queen. On July 10, 1954, at age 19, she married Jack Barnard. They lived briefly in Troy, Lancaster, and Cameron, Missouri, before moving to Norton, Kansas in 1973. Patsy worked as a dental hygienist, and in a sewing factory. She used the skills she learned from the sewing factory to make beautiful dresses and clothes for her children. She became especially experienced at mending the knees in her boy’s jeans. She also worked as a nurse’s aide, again, frequently applying the knowledge she learned to patch up her raucous children. Finally, she worked at First State Bank for 25 years where she retired as Head Teller. In addition to working at the bank, she served her community as a school board member for several years.
Most people knew Patsy as Pat, a lot of people called her mom, and she always had love to share with anyone who was in need. Pat was as tough, kind and intelligent as she was beautiful.
There were numerous times she taught young men twice her size a lesson in humility. If they were feeling their oats, being a bully or just trying to show how tough they were, she would take them to the ground and tell them, “An old lady just put you on your butt, don’t make me do it again”. If you were on the receiving end of that take down, you always knew it was with love, but the point was made.
Pat was a wise and caring person, and she was always ready to extend a helping hand. She had a framed saying on the back porch. It said, “All are welcome. Leave your dirty shoes and language at the door”. They were words she lived by; all were welcome with open arms and no judgement. At one time, there were six children living in her house, only three were her own. All she asked of them was to pick up after themselves. She always made time to listen to your troubles and always had words of encouragement. When life was difficult, she would say, “Just keep on keeping on, don’t give up." Let there be no misunderstanding of her kind heart, she was also a person of principle, and would let you know if you might need to rethink things.
Pat had a great sense of humor and a mischievous streak. She could give a good ribbing and go back and forth with the best of them. She loved a good joke, usually the naughty ones, which she heard a lot of through the years working at the bank. She loved to tell a good joke as well and would laugh out loud with such joy after telling them. She also liked to burn rubber every now and then in the family’s hot rod van with the three on the tree. She would light the tires up in first gear, catch second and third with a screech, then grin ear to ear and say, “don’t tell your dad." She did this all while wearing a dress and heels. Yep, she was quite a dame.
Pat was an accomplished cook and baker. She had to be to feed her ravenous boys, all their friends and Jack’s appetite for sweets, especially fudge. Pat had many hidden talents. She could tickle the ivories like no body’s business and sing like a bird, although, she would only sing in church. She sang with such clarity, her voice sounded like a bell ringing with perfect tone. Regularly, people in front of her would turn around and tell her what a beautiful voice she had.
Pat, Christian, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Great Great Grandma, Friend, Beauty Queen, Tom Boy, Class Act, Beautiful inside and out, truly one of a kind. Her heart and spirit were so large; she was full of everything good, what a wonderful human she was. She will live in our hearts forever and we are better for it. If you knew her, you were blessed. If you wronged her or cut her out of your life, shame on you. But know that she would smile and say, “it’s alright, I will always love you”.
Memorial service for Jack and Patsy Barnard will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9th, 2022, Norton Christian Church, Norton, with Pastor Nate Hagen officiating.