Kathleen Kiely Barrett, 84, of Salina, KS passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, surrounded by family.
Kathleen was born on August 8, 1940, in St. Paul, MN. She was the daughter of Richard & Harriett Drewry Barrett.
Kathleen was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She enjoyed sharing her love of gardening with everyone but especially, her grandchildren, who called her “Amma” and “Khaki”. She took them around to each plant, tree or flower and listed off all their unique characteristics and encourage them to see and smell. She also, enjoyed sharing her garden critters including hummingbirds, butterflies, lady bugs, bees, rabbits and “Terrence the Toad.” Spiders of any kind, size or threat were NEVER welcome.
Kathleen will be remembered by her ability to make others feel comfortable in her presence and her home. Her smile and laughter were contagious. She always had a kind word, was compassionate, willing to help and a loyal friend. This joy and kindness she attributed to her loving upbringing and deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her Bible study friends at Women of the Word, were precious to her and strengthened her character as a classy, woman of God.
She had a great love for college sports and thoroughly enjoyed hearing from her grandsons about their school’s upcoming games. She was an enthusiastic Packers fan, often cheering “Go Pack Go!” when they were playing. Another passion was anything related to building or remodeling a home on the Magnolia Network. She loved interior decorating and helped many friends and enthusiasts with their plans.
Mom wanted others to always feel special. She was our biggest supporter, encouraging us to reach beyond what we thought we could achieve. She lives on in our hearts, as we carry her legacy of love, friendship, and a most beautiful smile to the generations to come. We are better people for having her in our lives.
Survivors include her daughter, Maggie (Tom) Hemmer, Barrett Smith, and partner Karen Brewer (Boise, ID), Ryan Smith and fiancé Bambi Wheeler (Canby, OR) , “Inherited children” K.C. Barrett and partner Eddie ( Vancouver, WA), Patricia Barrett (Bend, OR), Matt (Kim) Barrett (Bend, OR). She was blessed with a number of grandchildren: Cole and Caine Smith, and Sienna Brewer; Mac, Calvin and Brady Hemmer; Luci, Sophie and Pepper Smith.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard, and James; and sister, Jane Delaney.
A celebration of life will be at 1:00pm on Monday, April 14, 2025, at First Covenant Church, 2625 E. Magnolia Road, Salina. A further time of celebration and sharing will occur following the service at the Salina Country Club, 2101 E. Country Club Road, Salina.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to Cornerstone Classical School of Salina, 830 S. Ninth Street, Salina, KS. 67401.