Barbara Ann Mellies

Barbara Ann Mellies, 80, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 at her home with family by her side. She was born December 1, 1945 in Holton, KS, the daughter of John Carl, Sr. and Mae V. (Kennedy) Mellies.

Barbara graduated from Netawaka High School in 1963. She worked for Southwestern Bell (now AT&T); retiring after 40 years.

She was a wonderful cook and made the “best damn cookies and rolls”.

Survivors include her children, Catherine “Cathi” Ann Kitrell (Todd) of Holton, KS and Earl L. Barkley (Ashlee) of Topeka, KS; brother, Art E. Mellies of Netawaka, KS; sister-in-law, Linda Mellies of Bonner Springs, KS; 12 grandchildren, Ryan Lemon (Felicia Honig), Kyle Lemon (Whitney), Andrew Lemon (Kendyl), Brandon Lemon (Chardae Dick), Cassandra Parker (Christian), Avery Barkley, Piper Barkley, Elijah Barkley-Perkins, Nixie Barkley, Alexander Mendoza Palmerin, Anthony Mendoza Palmerin and Nolan Barkley and 8 great-grandchildren, Jonnathan, Patrick, Hunter, Brady, River, Paxton, Brandi and Madelyn Lemon and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Mellies; brother, John Carl Mellies, Jr. and 6 half-siblings, Ralph Mellies, Delyte Moran, Mandy Lee Clark, Dale Mellies, Dona Welborn and Lee Valentine Mellies.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In honor of Barbara’s favorite color, please wear something pink.

Memorials may be given to the Beck-Bookman Library c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.