Barbara Vantuyl Atkins passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the age of 84.
She was born on March 1, 1936, to Joseph and Helen Taylor Vantuyl in Peabody, KS and graduated from Peabody High School in 1953. Barbara married William Atkins in 1955. They moved to Kansas City, KS in 1956 where she completed her nurses training at Bethany Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. She spent her entire nursing career of 42 years at Bethany Hospital. A majority of those years were spent working in the Intensive Care Unit. She retired in 1998.
Barbara was an active leader in Cub Scouts and Campfire. She volunteered at the Presbyterian Manor, Cancer Action and hospice services. She was a member of White Church Christian Church.
She protected and lead her family with much love and caring. She was the fun grandma who dressed up for Halloween, directed her grandchildren in plays that she wrote for holiday family gatherings (she also was the costume designer). Easter egg hunts and Pumpkin pickings were always grand events. She cherished the time she spent with family and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helen Vantuyl, brothers Robert and Larry Vantuyl, sisters Edith Houseman and Jeanne Francis, daughter Kathy Cygiel and son David. She is survived by her brothers Mervin and Jay Vantuyl; sons Dan (Betty) and Mike (Michele), daughter-in-law Debbie Atkins and son-in-law John Cygiel; grandchildren Eric Laundy, Will(Molly) and Seth(Jennifer) Atkins, Ryan Atkins, Ashlee and Max Atkins; great grandchildren Nora and Daniel Atkins, Henry Atkins.
Visitation will be at 9:30 AM, Friday, October 16, at Porter Funeral Home 1835 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS to be followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to White Church Christian Church, 2200 N 85th St., Kansas City, KS 66109.