Barbara Ann Stevens

Barbara Ann Stevens, of Kiowa, KS, born Barbara Ann Whitney on August 14, 1933 to Earl Elmer Whitney and Mable Milner (Mitchell) Whitney, went to be with her Lord on April 12, 2026. Born in Fairbury, Nebraska, Barbara was the middle of three children, born during the height of the depression. She spent her growing up years in Belleville, Kansas. In 1948 the family moved to Creston, Iowa, and she graduated from high school in Creston in 1951.

Barbara worked in a bank in Creston, Iowa, and met Lawrence DeWitt Stevens at a banking convention. After a brief courtship, they were married October 24, 1954.

Barbara and DeWitt settled in Kiowa, and after 11 months, children began to arrive. They had three daughters; Kay, Karen and Carol. Barbara served on the Board of Directors of The First State Bank for almost 50 years. At the age of 70, she became the President of that board and was instrumental in giving leadership to the bank for 10 years, before it was sold.

Faith and church were important to Barbara. She was baptized and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Belleville, KS in 1945. She joined the First Methodist Church of Kiowa, KS (later named Kiowa United Methodist Church) in 1955, and remained a faithful member until her death. She was very active in United Methodist Women, serving in leadership roles at various times.

Barbara was in Delphi Study Club for many years, and played bridge for nearly 70 years, both in ladies' and couples' groups. Many treasured friendships were enjoyed! She was a talented and prolific counted cross stitch artist, who enjoyed her friends, and lived amazingly independently. It was only when illness intruded in the last couple of years of life that Barbara slowed down her activities.

DeWitt preceded Barbara in death in December of 1992, leaving Barbara to press on alone for another 33 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Karen; sister, Patricia Yates; brother, Gerald Whitney, and several in-laws from both sides of her family.

She is survived by daughters, Kay (Ron) Carlson of Portland, TX, Carol (Nathan) Campbell of Ogden, UT, and son-in-law, Michael Minor of McAllen, TX; grandchildren, Amanda Carlson, Veronica Betts (Hutson), Lauren Campbell (Brian), Ben Carlson (Mackenzie), Amy Minor-Ramirez (Crisanto) and Claire Campbell (Addie); three great- grandchildren, Amelia Betts, Crisanto Ramirez V, and Zoey Betts.

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Kiowa United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

The family suggests memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the Friends of Kiowa District Hospital and Manor Foundation, Inc. (www.friendsofkdhandmfoundation.org) or the Kiowa United Methodist Church, 209 N 9th, Kiowa, KS 67070.