Barbara Jean (O'Connor) Gilkison

Barbara Jean (O'Connor) Gilkison was born in Coffey County, Kansas January 31, 1935 to Cecil O'Connor and Mildred (Castle) O'Connor. She grew up on the Ottumwa Homestead. As the oldest among her siblings Patrick, Nancy, and John O'Connor, Barbara shared a lot of responsibility for the younger ones. Especially John who was 10 years younger who she cared for as her own. Barbara graduated from the Strawn High School. She married Billie Dean Gilkison on August 5, 1951. Barbara was bookkeeper at the family owned Hartford Skelly gas station. Before retiring she worked many years at Newman's Hospital.

Barbara's artwork and embroidery reflected her love for beauty she found in nature - birds, butterflies, and flowers. Barbara and Bill's home welcomed all. Decorated with hand-painted china sets, extensive doll collection, and plants. A sampling of those favorites were on display for the past 10 years at her last home at Presbyterian Manor. No matter the circumstances, Barbara took great pride in her nails and hair being done.

Barbara is survived by her son Douglas (LuAnn) Gilkison, brother John (Joanmarie) O'Connor of Krum, Tx. Grandchildren Brandi (Matt) Waechter of York, PA, Justin (Vangie) Jacob of Killeen, TX, April (Justin) Nusz of Auburn, KS and Christina (Eric) Harr of Emporia. Step-grandchildren, Dylan (Samantha Fox) Gutierrez of Emporia, and Brooke (Clay) Gutierrez-Wilkinson of Gridley.

Great-Grandchildren, Tyler Allen of Emporia, Enrikue Nusz of Carbondale, KS, Dawn Jacob of Killeen, TX,  Jenny Jacob of Killeen, TX, Savannah Waechter of York, PA, Eliana Waechter of York, PA, and Emily Nusz of Topeka. Step great-grandchildren, Lilah Wilkinson of Gridley, Bella Fox-Weaver of Emporia, Coy Wilkinson of Gridley, Scarlett Fox-Gutierrez of Emporia, Elsie Wilkinson of Gridley and Arlo Wilkinson of Gridley.  One great-great-grandson Bentley Allen of Emporia. One step-sister Kelly (Bryce) Benedict of Topeka, beloved cousin, Catherine (O'Connor) Schmidt of Hartford, special friend Balta Nava of Wichita, KS, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her daughter Pamela (Jacob) Kelley, her parents, and siblings Nancy and Patrick, step-brother Michael O'Connor, and a special companion Joe Moore.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, April 15, 2022 at the Graceland Cemetery, Burlington, KS .