Barbra Ruth Feeler

Born on a Thursday, in Ponca City, Oklahoma as “Baby Barnett”; Barbra’s given name and proper spelling would later be corrected on her birth certificate. A life-long endeavor of ensuring her Christian name was spelled – B A R B R A.

“Babs” was the family name with ‘Ruth” being her middle name showing favoritism to her Mother’s youngest sister Ruthie. Barbra was the second of five children. While she started as a warm brunette with hazel eyes, her elder Sister "Sibby" was fair of skin, blonde, blue eyed and were traveling companions. Her three younger siblings, Jan, Jim (the family favorite) and Mary would each carry individual, yet similar, traits in the family lineage.

Barbra’s father, T. H. “Pete” Barnett was a Welder by trade. Her Mother, Sylvia, was a homemaker. Barbra’s life moved where the jobs took her Dad with the family of 7, and sometimes 9, with Grandparents. Work took the Barnett family to Paducah, Kentucky, living in a “flat house” as offered by her Dad’s employer. Attending High School, she met her life companion, Ernest B. “Sonny” Feeler, a tall cowboy with rolled up t-shirt sleeves with a pack of smokes. Marrying Sonny in 1956, their love affair continued for nearly 60 years.

Life took the Feeler couple to Wichita, Kansas. Barbra and Sonny had two daughters. Barbra was actively involved in all aspects of her family's life – Christian upbringing and church choirs, PTA meetings, homework, softball and sports, family gatherings involving singing and music, and competition fast draw shooting. After her daughters were teenagers, her own professional career blossomed, working for Koch Inc., oil companies, private individuals, and managing all while her Husband continued his National Guard and law enforcement career.

Barbra completed extensive training in martial arts, scuba diving certified, and received her private detective license. She could operate a Bobcat tractor, large and small construction equipment, and had the gift of God’s blessing as a seamstress.

Her two daughters, Valerie Rene’ (Jay Dee) Thomas and Deadra Elizabeth (Michael) Doyon, brought forth two Grandchildren, Ernest James “EJay” (Valerie Dianne) Thomas and Kristen Rene’ Doyon. Barbra was the 5th Generation Matriarch carrying a Barnett/Feeler legacy of 7 Great-Grandchildren and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren who loved their Grandmom and Tripple-G.

After Sonny’s passing in 2016, Barbra’s life saw her recover from various physical trials. Her Granddaughter Kristen became her daily companion, caregiver, and household “manager”.

Barbra's Grandson, EJay, is a third generation Welder, and a fellow music lover and composer.

Barbra’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation for all the love and dedication given to this amazing woman. God has chosen well to take Barbra Ruth Feeler to her final resting place knowing that she, His child, always remembered to know and seek the Lord’s face in all things.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM on Monday, June 30, 2025; Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM, both at Prairie Trail Cowboy Church, 8552 South Broadway Street, Haysville, Kansas 67060, (316) 260-5283. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Barbra's name has been established with: The Christian Broadcasting Network - 700 Club, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463.