Phyllis Jane Barnhardt

Phyllis Jane Barnhardt, born Phyllis Jane Perry, passed away at her home in Lawrence, Kansas, on September 3, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born on September 30, 1954, in McKinney, Texas, and lived a life marked by warmth, strength, creativity, and deep devotion to the people she loved.

Phyllis attended Lawrence High School and built a life defined by hard work. She owned her own house cleaning business and also served as a supervisor at Brandon Woods Retirement Community, and as a supervisor for the University of Kansas where she retired. In every role, she carried herself with the same outgoing spirit and steady sense of purpose that made her such a trusted presence. She was a provider in the truest sense, always giving of herself and taking pride in caring for those around her.

She was a beloved member of the Church of Christ for the past 30 years, where she was baptized. She walked a life of devotion and faith that shone brightly through her kindness and love for others.

She was one of a kind, someone who never met a person she didn’t like or who didn’t love her back. Her friendly nature and open heart helped her form lasting connections wherever life took her, including many she considered as her own children. During her time living in California, she made many lifelong friends whose memories of her will remain treasured.

Phyllis had a gifted and creative spirit. She created her own jewelry, enjoyed crochet and knitting, and was an artist who was amazing at drawing. She found joy in cooking and was especially known for baking the best cookies and banana bread along with her famous meatloaf. She loved live music, thrifting, gardening, and playing cards, especially Rummy, which she taught to all of her grandchildren. Some of her sweetest moments were spent playing video games with her grandson, a simple pleasure that reflected her playful heart and the closeness she shared with her family.

More than anything, Phyllis was always proud of her family. She is survived by her daughters, Selina Beebe (Steven Jones) and Amanda Cole (Shawn Cole). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Jaiden Beebe and Cassandra Beebe (Wanya Spates); and 9 great grandchildren: Loraynah, Noah, Alanah, Ezrah, Violah, Wanya II, Judah, Priscillah and Winonah. She held great pride and love for each of them, that defined her life. Her presence will continue to be felt in the stories they share, the traditions they carry forward, and the love she gave so freely.

She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Perry; her mother, Dorothy Mayse; and her younger brother, Daniel Perry, who was her best friend. Their memory remained part of her life, and now she rests with those who went before her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Church of Christ, 201 N Michigan St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. A repass will follow at 1:45 p.m. at the same location.

Any contributions may be made to the family through her daughters.

Phyllis will be remembered for her generous heart, her creativity, her laughter, and the way she made people feel welcome. Her life was filled with work, love, friendship, and family, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.