Margaret Lou “Barney” (Barnhill) Roberts, 98, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.
Barney was born January 22, 1926, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. She was one of five children born to George and Anna (Bidwell) Barnhill. Her family resided in Tonkawa a few years before moving to Great Bend, Kansas. She graduated from Great Bend High School in the Class of 1944.
Barney was united in marriage to Donald Lee “Bud” Roberts on July 21, 1946, in Great Bend. This union was blessed with two children; Mac and Lynn. They made their home in Russell. Bud preceded her in death on August 7, 1992.
Barney was a devoted wife and homemaker for her family. She also helped Bud with office work in his business for many years. She worked a short time for Marshall’s Jewelry Store and was very active in the Russell Hospital Gift Store. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Russell. She was an active member of the Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary. When she was younger, she belonged to the “Doll for Dole”, which later was known as “Grandmas for Dole”. Barney was a person who loved to volunteer for community activities and loved helping people in need. Bud and she were known for entertaining family and friends.
Barney’s surviving family include her daughter, Lynn Roberts of Concordia, Kansas; her son, Mac Roberts and wife Laura of Weatherford, Texas; brother, Gary D. Barnhill of Newport Beach, California; sister, Willa Mae Fuhr-Hill of Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Travis Roberts and wife Valerie, Tyler Roberts, Laurie Rea and Maggie Dahl; and four great grandchildren, Peyton, Parker, Lizzie and Sophie.
Barney was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bud; and two brothers, Jim Barnhill and Richard Barnhill. Celebration of Barney’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, two Memorials have been established with Russell Reginal Hospital Auxiliary or First Congregation Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to the Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.