Barbara Foster

The Richmond News, Aug. 28, 2026

Barbara Ann Foster of rural Hardin passed away peacefully at 10:17 a.m. Aug. 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She graced us with her life of 92 years, 7 months and 9 days. For nearly a century, Barbara shared her kindness, grace, humor and generous spirit with all those blessed to know her.

Barbara was born Jan. 8, 1934, the fourth and final child of David Frederick and Gladys Andrew (Minnick) Frazier. She was born in a little house that still stands today in the village of Morton near Hardin, and this area remained her beloved home throughout her life.

She attended schools at Morton, Shackleford, Central and Hardin. She enjoyed playing basketball and softball for Central.

As a young girl, Barbara looked up to her siblings, especially her older sister, Nancy, whom she would often go stay with in the city. Her oldest brother, Elbert, was special to her, too; and when he was called to serve his country during World War II, he entrusted his horse, Ginger, to Barbara to care for while he was away.

Barbara loved riding Ginger bareback across the surrounding farms. Through those rides, she felt a connection to her brother while he was serving overseas.

On Oct. 27, 1951, Barbara married Kenneth Marvin Foster in the little Morton Church. When Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, Barbara joined him in Oceanside, Calif., until he was sent overseas to Korea. She then returned home to be with her parents until Kenneth could return home to her.

Barbara was a woman whose life reflected the qualities described in Proverbs 31: “She was of noble character. She was worth far more than rubies. A woman of wisdom, diligence and faithfulness who enriched her family and community.”

Kenneth and Barbara shared 58 years of marriage, building a life, a family and a farming operation filled with countless memories. Kenneth preceded her in death on Aug. 11, 2010.

Barbara gave generously of herself to her family, church and community, especially its young people. Over the years, she was involved in the PTA, The Extension Club, 4-H, Camp Fire Girls and Cub Scouts, where she served as a den mother for her three boys. She taught first aid to Scouts working toward their merit badges and taught Sunday school.

Music was another beautiful thread woven throughout Barbara’s life. Morton Community Church, established 150 years ago, was blessed to have Barbara as its pianist for 76 of those years. She accompanied countless students as they traveled to state competitions and accompanied a quartet called “The Classmates,” who were successful enough to record an album together. She also directed the choir for the sesquicentennial celebration.

Barbara was, first and foremost, a farmer’s wife, embracing the farming life she had known since childhood. She and Kenneth raised their three sons; and as the boys grew, they each became part of the family farming operation.

In addition to caring for her family and farm, Barbara worked as the school secretary at the Hardin-Central schoolhouse for 27 years. She became a familiar and comforting presence to generations of students, quietly helping, encouraging, counseling, mending and cheering them on.

Morton Church was of the utmost importance to her. She loved the Lord and was the most faithful, and when she was called to her heavenly home, we know she was singing “It Is Well With My Soul.” Barbara had a wonderful way of bringing joy wherever she went. She was especially known for the skits she performed for the students at Hardin-Central, dressing up and completely becoming whatever character she was portraying. Her performances brought laughter to countless students, and in return, she earned their love and respect. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life. She treasured every moment she was given with them.

Barbara also had a spirited, adventurous side that remained with her throughout her life. She loved to drive fast with the wind blowing through her hair. Not many years back, she received a speeding ticket. When the officer asked why she was driving so fast, Barbara simply replied, “It just felt good!”

She faithfully listened to every Kansas City Royals game on the radio and remained deeply connected to the community she loved. Barbara gave so much of her time and herself to the people around her, and her influence reached far beyond her family. She was a mentor and friend to many Hardin-Central students throughout the years.

Barbara is survived by her three aforementioned sons, Kevin Elbert Foster of rural Richmond, Kirk Wilson Foster (Lauretta Enochs) of Columbia and Kyle David Foster (Anna Marie) of rural Hardin.

She also is survived by her grandchildren: Katherine Elizabeth “Beth” Fortin (Joel), Callie Anne Moudy (Ryan), Aaron Ray Hayden (Bethany Gomez), Meghan Faith Foster (Jahmon Smith), Josie Marie McKellips (Lisa Baldwin), Benjamin Micheal McKellips (Christina Pryor), Carrie Lee Dehn (Daniel) and Bella Grace Foster.

In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren: Charis Ysabella Fortin, Owen Luca Fortin, Oliver Heath Fortin, Eric Ryan Moudy, Alek Caleb Moudy, Ozzie Gomez, James Ellis IV, Emma Bell-Ellis, Allissa Bell, Matthew Bell-Ross, Robert Bodhi Ray Hayden, Diymon Yvette Gillepsie, Jordon La’Kale Smith, Jaylee Nicole Smith, Madison Olean Medlock, Micheal Owen McKellips and Wyatt Jackson McKellips.

Other survivors include her nieces, Martha Frazier, Rebecca Frazier, Morna Behrens and Christine Frazier; nephew, Chaun Muir; and many former Hardin-Central students, friends and community members whose lives she touched through the years. Brenda Hamm, whom Barbara loved and cared for as a guardian, held a particularly special place in her heart.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Frederick Elbert Frazier, who died while serving during World War II, and Millard Wilson Frazier; sister, Nancy Muir; sister-in-law, Geneva Frazier; brother-in-law, Roger Muir; nephew, David Frazier; and niece, Joyce Frazier.

Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, music, family and service. Her gentle kindness and spirited personality will be deeply missed, but the memories she created and the lives she touched will continue to carry her love forward.

A visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Morton Church, rural Richmond.

Barbara’s funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, with visitation from 1 to 2. Pastor Dennis Estes will officiate the services.

Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Richmond.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Morton Church or Hickory Grove Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.