Betty Jean Barnard, 91, passed away June 30, 2025, at Country Living of Larned, Kan. She was born on July 13, 1933, in Russell, Kan., to Dave and Ida (Voos) Galyardt. Betty married Charles “Chuck” Barnard on Dec. 15, 1960; they later divorced, but their union was blessed with two daughters.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Betty began her secretarial career at Mai Oil in Russell, and later worked in the dietary department for Larned State Hospital. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Betty had great talent for playing the piano and organ – playing for services at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell starting at the age of 15 and continued playing. She loved spending time with her family, with a very active role in her grandchildren’s lives.

Survivors include her daughters, Angie Barr and husband Blaine, and Christi Penka and husband Matt, all of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Anthony Barr and wife Nicole, Brandon Barr, Brittany Esfeld and husband Shane, Alex Barr and wife Jenna, Lauren Griffitts and husband Patrick, Blake Penka and fiancé Ashley Hammes, and Dru Penka; ten great grandchildren; sisters, Donita Keil of Great Bend, and Vonnie Johnston of Fountain Valley, Calif.; brother, Jerry Galyardt of La Jolla, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Darlene Galyardt; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Keil.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Reverend Jay Welshonse presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 1, 2025