Barbara Joyce Atkins, Age: 84
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Mar 01, 1936---Oct 09, 2020

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.


Condolences

Christine Houseman Crooks Oct 11, 2020

Niece ,Louisburg ,Kansas

Aunt Barbara was an awesome Aunt. I have many fond memories of her. When she got ill, I got to stay with her and help in her recovery. She told me stories of her growing up and I learned about my mom too. She had to do physical and other therapy to get some of her abilties back. We had a good time playing all kinds of card games, which I usually lost as soon as she remembered how to play them. She did puzzles and we laughed when I tried to fit pieces where they didn't belong. She was so happy when her family came to see her at home. She would just be so happy to see them, that she would be so happy the rest of the day. She would work that much harder to regain the things she lost so she could stay home and have her family around her. I loved her and loved helping her. I will miss her.

Kim Larkin Oct 12, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I am praying for strength and comfort for all who love and grieve for Barbara. I am so very sorry for your loss and the pain your feeling now. I am comforted in the knowledge that Barbara and Kathy are joyfully reunited. Kathy is one of the very best women I have ever known, and Barbara raised her to be that exceptional woman. They are happily together forever with Jesus now.

Marsha Racki Oct 12, 2020

Friend and former coworker ,Basehor ,Kansas

Dear Atkins family, I want you to know what a wonderful mother you had. I worked many years with Barb at Bethany Medical Center, she was a wonderful,caring nurse, mentor to me, and really good friend. I remember that she helped many family members struggling with chronic illness, she was generous with her time caring for others. She was a true Christian. I will always treasure the memories of my dear dear friend Barb.

Mary Ca Ralstin Oct 12, 2020

Nursing Colleague and Fruend ,LENEXA ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. She was such a nice person and fun to work with. I remember helping with 'balling melons' for someone's wedding with her and Nida. I remember going to the exercise place and dancing around in leotards. I remember the fun Halloween parties and going to see the Oak Ridge Boys with the girls from SICU. I learned a lot from Barb in my early years in my nursing career. There are SO many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers to all the Family. Rest in Peace, Barb.

Sandra Oct 13, 2020

Niece in law ,Columbia ,South Carolina

My heart goes out to all family members during this tough time. Although we didn’t get to visit KC often, Aunt Barb welcomed us with open arms hosting barbecues, taking us to the local amusement park, and spending time in conversation to better know us. We were thrilled when she came to SC on her road trip a few years ago. Aunt Barb was my thread to Steve’s mom, whom I never got to meet. I know that you all will miss her terribly. Her model of resilience, faithfulness, and love of family will live on. Love to all.

Esther Rogers Oct 14, 2020

friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

My sincere condolences to Barb's family. When I began working in SICU at Bethany, Barb was my mentor. She was a skilled, kind and competent nurse.

Jo Ann H. Estes Oct 16, 2020

Friend ,Edwardsville, ,Kansas

My love and care are extended to you all. Barbara was a dear one to me. God bless you all and hope and strength from our Heavenly Father.

Julie Gentry Oct 16, 2020

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Atkins family, What a lovely service to honor Barbara. We are so sorry we could not be there in person but know our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Julie & Jim Gentry Deena & Brett Byers

greg Christiansen Oct 16, 2020

friend ,Parker ,Kansas

So sorry to hear of Auntie Barbs passing. My prayers for family and my mother Beth, who lost a good friend.

Sharon Vantuyl Oct 18, 2020

sister by marriage ,Claycomo ,Missouri

I first met Barbara, 53 years ago when I was engaged to her brother Jay Merle Vantuyl. My husband was the youngest sibling in the family. Their mom was in poor health following Jay's birth and his sister helped raise him his first decade. She never failed to send him a birthday card or call to say, "I Love You." Last month she called and left a similar message on our house answering machine, which thankfully I preserved. She made me feel part of the family from the first time we met. Bill and Barbs house was often the place where we had family get togethers and she was the organizers of other family events. I spoke to her on the phone the week before she passed. She said it was difficult to spend so much time, at least 7 months, without being able to go out or visit with family, Then she said she had been thinking that morning about "babies". I said, "Babies?" She told me that babies come into the world all alone. "It must be very stressful coming into the world. They have to squeeze through a tiny passage, they don't know what is happening, there is no one there to hold their hand. But the way things are right now is much the same. I think going out of life is just about as hard as coming in." We soon ended the conversation because I could tell she was getting tired. But less than a week later, I felt I understood what she was saying. Once the babies get through that scary time and are "born into life," there is someone waiting to hold and love them. And Barbara knew that even if she didn't have family able, during this time, to hold her hand --she knew she was loved and that there would be those she loved waiting, I'm sure her husband, son, daughter, mom and dad were there on the other side to take her hand and hold her.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
1835 Minnesota Avenue
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66102
Date:
Oct 16, 2020
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Service
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
1835 Minnesota Avenue
City:
Kansas City
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66102
Date:
Oct 16, 2020
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map