Wanda J. Barrett, of Topeka, passed away from this life to her eternal life November 28, 2024 surrounded by her family at KU-St. Francis Campus, Topeka. She was 74.
Wanda was born October 2, 1950, at Seneca, Kansas, one of seven children born to Joseph Alfred and Vauncille Margaret Brunner “Pooch” Barrett and has lived in the northeast Kansas area nearly all of her life. The family moved to the Kickapoo Reservation near Powhattan where she attended Powhattan schools, graduating with the class of 1968. As a junior and senior in high school, she worked at the Midway Café in Sabetha. She decided on a career in teaching and poured her heart and soul into working with children. Wanda started college at Highland Junior College and received an associate degree, Washburn University in Topeka received a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree from Emporia State University. All the time going to school she was working including a few years at Josten’s in Topeka. Her teaching career included many years at KNI until its closing. Wanda finally retired as a history teacher for USD #609/Greenbush, Southeast Kansas Education Service Center.
She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church at Powhattan. Wanda made her home in Topeka where she was a foster parent for many years. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka. She received a kidney transplant 7 years ago and since that time, she was a dedicated financial donor to St. Luke’s Kidney/Liver Transplant program.
Wanda was a single Mom, working all while raising her family of three sons, and a daughter: Donald Barrett of Parsons, Jason Barrett of Topeka, Christina McClintock (Casey) of Topeka, James Barrett, also of Topeka; her siblings Lewis Barrett (Rose) of Mayetta, Douglas Barrett of Fairview, Vikki Broxterman of Fairview, Diane Davis (Greg) of Hiawatha. The apples of her eye were her 6 grandchildren, with 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Dennis Barrett, David Barrett, and brother in law Lyle Broxterman.
Celebration of Wanda’s Eternal Life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Fairview with Rev. Brian Holle officiating. Interment will follow at the Isely Cemetery, north of Fairview.
Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will gather to meet friends that afternoon from 5-7 p.m.
