Barbara Mellies 1945-2026

Barbara Ann Melllies, 80, of Holton, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, at her home with family by her side.

She was born Dec. 1, 1945, in Holton, the daughter of John Carl Sr. and Mae V. (Kennedy) Mellies.

Barbara graduated from Netawaka High School in 1963. She worked for Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), retiring after 40 years.

She was a wonderful cook and made the “best damn cookies and rolls.”

Survivors include her children, Catherine “Cathi” Ann Kitrell (Todd) of Holton and Earl L. Barkley (Ashlee) of Topeka; a brother, Art E. Mellies of Netawaka; a sister-in-law, Linda Mellies of Bonner Springs; 12 grandchildren, Ryan Lemon (Felicia Honig), Kyle Lemon (Whitney), Andrew Lemon (Kendyl), Brandon Lemon (Chardae Dick), Cassandra Parker (Christian), Avery Barkley, Piper Barkley, Elijah Barkley-Perkins, Nixie Barkley, Alexander Mendoza Palmerin, Anthony Mendoza Palmerin and Nolan Barkley; eight great-grandchildren, Jonnathan, Patrick, Hunter, Brady, River, Paxton, Brandi and Madelyn Lemon; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Mellies; a brother, John Carl Mellies Jr.; and six half-siblings, Ralph Mellies, Delyte Moran, Mandy Lee Clark, Dale Mellies, Dona Welborn and Lee Valentine Mellies.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In honor of Barbara’s favorite color, please wear something pink.

Memorials may be given to the Beck-Bookman Library, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)