Barbara Ann 'Barb' Funk, age 80, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on December 12, 2025, at Golden Age Care Home in Cheney, Kansas.
Barbara was born on July 27, 1945, in Paris, Texas. She graduated from Great Bend High School and went on to study nursing at Fort Hays State University. It was there, in a square dancing class, that she met the love of her life, Jim Funk. The couple was united in marriage on July 4, 1965, and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Barb was the longtime owner and operator of the Budget Host, formerly the Travelodge, motel in WaKeeney. She dedicated more than 40 years to the hospitality industry, where her warmth and kindness turned countless guests into lifelong friends.
An exceptionally talented seamstress, Barb sewed both for enjoyment and professionally. She also loved quilting and embroidery, creating countless bibs and quilts for her grandchildren, family members, and friends. Barb had a passion for baking and cooking and was especially known for her famous cinnamon rolls—often requested by her grandchildren.
Barb was an avid sports fan who enthusiastically cheered on Kansas State University athletics and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved talking sports and, most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Barbara began her cancer journey in 2011, faced a second cancer diagnosis in 2017, and learned it had returned in July of 2025. Through it all, she remained strong and determined. She fought bravely and is now forever free from cancer.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Funk of WaKeeney; her children, Tami (Lyle) Bontrager of Wichita, Kansas, Chris (Cari) Funk of Naples, Florida, and Nicole (Jon) Base of Fort Collins, Colorado; her grandchildren, Abbie (Scott) Kempin, Luke (Daniela) Bontrager, Libby Bontrager, Blake (Lainey) Bontrager, Addison Base, Maddox Base, and Cooper Base; and her great-grandchildren, Avery, Brooks, Hayes, and Hadley Kempin, and Sunny Bontrager. She is also survived by her sister, Lou (Jim) Kelly of Lenexa, Kansas; her in-laws, Susie and Mike Reager of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Ray and Mary Oakden of Tucson, Arizona; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Akers; her mother and stepfather, Enna Mae and A.K. Williams; and her granddaughter, Annabelle Base.
A memorial service will be held at a future date in WaKeeney. Burial will take place at the VA Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Golden Age Care Home, 2813 Spring Meadow Court, Wichita, Kansas 67205.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schmittfuneral.com.