Mary K. Barrett-Willard, 39, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Friday (September 17, 2021) at her home in Topeka.
Born April 5, 1982 in Olathe, Kansas, Mary was the daughter of James W. and Carolyn J. (Wilson) McKay. She married Daniel P. Willard on December 28, 2011 in Junction City, Kansas. He survives.
An avid reader and writer, Mary also enjoyed arts and crafts especially knitting and crocheting. She was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club of Topeka. Mary loved learning. She earned her Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from Washburn University and was currently enrolled in a Doctorate Program at Kansas University where she was a research assistant for a Social Welfare Study.
Mary was a social worker and child welfare officer for the state of Kansas, most recently with DCF.
Survivors include her husband, Daniel; five children, Trystan Neff-Barrett, Jack Barrett, Floyd Barrett, Morgan Barrett and Kaylena Willard; two brothers, James W. Neff of Topeka and Tommy R. Neff of Kansas; a sister, Patricia M. Barrett of Junction City, KS; and several nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother; and her grandparents.
A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 24, 2021 at the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial will be in the Wamego Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2021 at the Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Midland Hospice and may be left at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Road, Wamego, KS 66547.