Barbara Jean Ghan, lovingly known as Barb, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on June 16, 1938, to Lloyd Henry and Alta LaVern (Wolfe) Fraley on a farm near Blue Springs, Nebraska. At a young age, her family moved to a farm northeast of Chester, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood alongside her brother and sisters.

She attended Mt. Zion School before graduating from Chester High School in 1957. After graduation she worked in Belleville, Kansas, attended beauty school in Beatrice, Nebraska, and later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she worked for Coleman Company, Safeway Meat Packing Company and Wichita State Bank. She later worked for The State Bank in Winfield, where she proudly served for 15 years until retiring in 1998.

In July of 1959, Barbara met the love of her life, Junior (JR) Daniel Ghan. They were married on October 25, 1959, at the Chester Christian Church. They built a beautiful life and family, raising their five children over their 66 years together. Through the years, Barbara lived in Wichita, California, Missouri, and eventually settled in Winfield, where she made many lifelong friendships.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all. She didn’t know a stranger. Her caring spirit touched countless lives through volunteer work and community service. Barbara helped start a Cancer Support Group, volunteered with Reach to Recovery, participated in Relay for Life, and supported breast cancer awareness. In recognition of her compassion and dedication, she received several honors, including Employee of the Year at The State Bank in 1997, the Community Cornerstone Award in 2003, and the Teresa Lasser Award from the American Cancer Society in 2003 for outstanding service. She was also honored to attend the Celebration on the Hill in Washington, D.C.

Barbara had tremendous faith and shared her love of God through participating in crafts, church activities, and helping others any chance she could. Her passions were quilting, crocheting, sewing, cooking but mostly spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She will be remembered for her UNWAVERING love for her family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Michael Ghan, of Wilmot; daughters, Pennie Randall (Kevin), of Solomon; Jeannie Grow (Brian), of Atlanta; and Vickie Grow, of Douglass; grandchildren, Timothy Randall, Tara Atwell, Tiffany Nagel, Cody Randall, Jake Grow, Kelly Grow, Clayton Grow, Christal Lopez, Zachary Grow, and Garrett Grow; 24 great-grandchildren, her newest one being born the day of her passing; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband Junior; son Donald; brothers Lloyd and Duane; and sisters Aletha, Claribel, Elaine.

Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026 at Miles Funeral Service. Burial will be at Wilmot Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Relay for Life, and St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.