Barbara Rae Lawson-Turner, 81, died February 7, 2024, at Wesley Towers Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson, KS. She was born June 11, 1942, in Hutchinson, KS, to Comet O’fling Wood and Katherine May (Gough) Wood.
Barbara's life was a testament to love and service. She poured her heart into her role as the owner and operator of a daycare, where she nurtured countless children over the years. Barbara’s dedication to the little ones was matched only by her unwavering affection for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored spending time with above all else. A woman of faith and music, Barbara found joy in her membership with the Sunflower State Gospel Music Association and her involvement in "Reconciled," a southern gospel music trio, that she formed with her beloved husband. For many years, she was a devoted member of Westside Baptist Church, where her spirit shone brightly.
On July 21, 1958, she married ‘the love of her life’ Bobby Lee Lawson, in Hutchinson, KS. They shared over 44 years of marriage, prior to his death on February 23, 2003. Barbara married Kenneth William Turner on September 8, 2007, in Hutchinson, KS.
She is survived by: her husband, Kenneth Turner of Hutchinson, KS; children, Bret (Tracy) Lawson of Partridge, KS, Cindy Lawson of Brownsville, TX, and Tammy (Maury) Hoefer of Hutchinson, KS; grandchildren, Danielle (Ethan Schachter) Lehman, Jimmy (Faith) Lawson, Cammie (Mike) Rumback, Faith (Alan) Curtis, and Anna (Dalton) Heiter; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Linda Bryant of Jefferson, OR.
Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents; stepfather, Donald Ketchum; husband, Bobby Lee Lawson; and five siblings.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at Westside Baptist Church, 400 W. 12th Street, Hutchinson, KS. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The funeral service can be viewed online by going to the church’s website (wbchutch.com) and selecting the “Watch” tab.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County, Guardians of the Children Salt City Chapter, or Westside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.