Barbara Jean (Philips) Caywood, 78, of Hutchinson, passed away December 27, 2025, at The Arbors in Hutchinson. She was born April 9, 1947, in Spokane, WA, the daughter of William and Eloise (Gibson) Philips.
Barbara graduated from Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1965, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sterling College in 1970 and her Masters of Education from Wichita State University in 1999. The daughter of Presbyterian missionaries, Barbara grew up in Africa before becoming a lifelong Sterling resident after college. She spent her working life pouring into children and teaching elementary school. Barbara taught Kindergarten through 5th grade at different times in both the Sterling and Haven school districts. She retired from teaching in 2009. Barbara was a member of Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson.
On August 22, 1969, Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Caywood in Fort Morgan, CO. They were married for 49 years before his passing on December 7, 2017.
Survivors include: her two sons, Scott and Kristen Caywood of Hutchinson, Brad and Janell Caywood of Parker, CO; ex-daughter-in-law, Brandi Caywood of Hutchinson; brother, Will and Victoria Philips of Greeley, CO; sister, Margaret Cheasebro of Farmington, NM; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her parents.
Funeral service will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in the Fireside Chapel at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd Ave., Hutchinson, with Pastor Bart Horton officiating. Burial will follow in Sterling Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or Hospice & HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.