Barbara Jean Root, 85, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away April 18, 2022, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. She was born November 2, 1936, in Larned, the daughter of Kenneth and Maxine Givens Murray.
Barbara has resided in Lyons since 1962, formerly of Larned. She graduated from Larned High School with the class of 1954 and graduated from Brown Mackie Business College in 1955. Barbara was a former payroll clerk for Ell-Kan of Ellsworth and proofreader and court reporter for the Lyons Daily News. She was a church elder and member of the First Christian Church, Lyons, president of the Christian Church Love Group; and member of the Quilters group at the First Christian Church.
On January 15, 1955, Barbara was united in marriage with Simon Root in Larned. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her two sons, Kim Root and wife Barbara of Oregon; and Kyle Root and wife Karen of Lyons; two daughters, Kris Laymon and husband Sam of Sterling; and Kyra Newkirk of Overland Park; three sisters, Beverly Cornelison of Larned; Bonnie Russell and husband Clinton of Belpre; and Betty Gardner of Hoisington; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Murray; and grandson, Travis Root.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the First Christian Church, Lyons, with Pastor Thom Scott officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons. Visitation will be 1:00 until 3:30 P.M., Friday, April 22, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons and from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church, Lyons with family present.