Debra Fay (nee’ Ryals) Barnard

Debra Fay Barnard, 72, died on December 21, 2024. She was born December 17, 1952 to Donald and Esther Ryals in Kansas City, Kansas, the youngest of four siblings. She graduated from East High School where she excelled in both academics and athletics. While attending Rockhurst College, she met the love of her life, Thomas Barnard. They were married during their junior year in January 1974. She graduated with a BSBA degree in accounting in 1975 and was proud of being the first one in her family to obtain a college degree.

While she initially worked as an accountant after graduation, her life and legacy is best described as her intense love and devotion to her family, her children, and her grandchildren. With the birth of her son, Trevor, she committed her life to loving, teaching, and showing her children how to be good and loving people. Trevor was later joined by the births of sisters, Amy, Alicia, and Audrey. She was a room mother, PTA treasurer, and treasurer for various sports organizations. She attended every game and numerous activities that her children were involved in. She constantly encouraged her children to do their best. Additionally, while raising her children, she also found time to care for her dying Mother and to assist her sister and brother with their illnesses. She truly was the epitome of love.

She is preceded in death by parents Donald and Esther Ryals, brothers Gene and Dean Ryals, and sister Donalee Roach. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas Barnard of the home; son Trevor Barnard and wife Heather; daughters Amy VonFeldt and husband Mark, Alicia Conley and husband Brent, and Audrey Jarvis and husband Brandon; grandchildren William and Tyler Barnard, Mason and Makenna VonFeldt, Jack and Lainey Conley, and Owen and Sydney Jarvis; and numerous other sister and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.