Barbara J. Vail

Barbara J. Vail, 89, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at a Topeka hospital. She was born November 15, 1936 in Topeka, the daughter of Floyd and Marguerite (Harrower) Coffman.

Barbara was employed by Auburn-Washburn USD 437 for 27 years before retiring. She was a member of the Topeka First Free Methodist Church and the Topeka Daylily Club.

Barbara married Dale L. Vail on August 5, 1958 in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Cindy (Craig) Busey of Wakarusa, two grandchildren, Cheri (Kurtis) Scott of Auburn, Cory (Meagan) Busey of Topeka, five great-grandchildren, Samuel, Colby, Mason, Penelope and Logan, and her sister, Mary (Tom) Bradshaw of Topeka.

Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley Coffman, Edna Wade and Bill Coffman.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. A Celebration of Barbara's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Topeka First Free Methodist Church. Private inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka First Free Methodist Church, 3450 SE Indiana Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605.

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