Photo courtesy of Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home
Nov 9, 1952 - Mar 13, 2026 (Age 73)
I was unable to attend Barb’s funeral. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family.
Carolyn Hatchett
March 20, 2026 | Springfield, KY | Neighbor
Barb was not just my co-worker, or friend but a big sister. My heart is broken that my sister is not physically present anymore but my memories we shared will last forever. My life was truly richly blessed to have known such a beautiful and wonderful person. Thank you Barb for allowing me to be a part of your life and everything you have done for me. Rest in power my sister! This is not goodbye but a see you later. Family and friends you are in my prayers! Love you all!
Faith Montgomery
March 20, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
I will miss seeing Barbara at basket weaving events. She was a fabulous weaver, and always willing to share her knowledge and experience with others. She was also incredibly funny. She didn't talk a lot, but when she did, it was often a thoughtful piece of advice or an extremely witty comment! I am grateful for the time that I did get to spend with her.
She was constantly working on basket projects as gifts for her family, which she obviously loved deeply. I am truly sorry for...
Amy Bell
March 19, 2026 | Columbus, MS | Friend
Remembered By
Amy Bell
March 19, 2026
My condolences to the family.May she rest in peace.
Joseph Sea
March 17, 2026 | Lawrenceburg, KY | Friend
My deepest sympathy on the loss of my good friend, Barb. We took lots of basket classes together and we shared basket patterns and molds. We traveled to NC and TN making baskets and she was very, very talented. It was my sincere pleasure to know her. Betty Overly
Betty Overly
March 17, 2026 | Paris, KY | Friend
Barbara was my basket convention travel buddy for many years. We even went on a weaving trip to Ireland together. We always had a great time and she was so willing to teach me so much. Her passing is a great loss; not just to me, but to so many weavers. Keep on weaving Barbara. We’ll miss you
Gini Howard
March 16, 2026 | Somerset, KY | Friend
A bright light in many lives left us on Friday morning leaving all of us who knew Barbara full of amazing , wonderful memories.
I met Barbara when she took a Nantucket class from me at the GA Convention and our friendship began. Barbara was in all our class, attended our workshops and met us when we were teaching at private guilds. Together , we came up with new basket ideas. Barbara always had a new idea for David at every workshop.
Barbara was an incredible basket...
Joni-Dee Ross
March 16, 2026 | Summerfield, NC | Friend
I always enjoyed weaving baskets with Barbara. She had a wealth of knowledge and shared it willingly. She was a good person
Judy Ridings
March 16, 2026 | Richmond KY 40476, KY | Friend
Please join us in honoring the life of Barbara Jewell Burns. You are welcome to attend her funeral service in person, or you can watch the LIVE Broadcast at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 20, 2026. Simply click the link below to view the service.
Barbara Burns LIVE Funeral Service Broadcast
Barbara Jewell Burns, 73, of Willisburg, Kentucky, passed away March 13, 2026, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.
She was born November 9, 1952, in Lebanon, Kentucky, to the late Clyde and Deverl Burns of Willisburg, Kentucky.
Barbara was a 1970 graduate of Western High School in Anderson County. She later attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated in May 1974 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Following her graduation, she began a career of service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, retiring from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services after more than 40 years of dedicated service. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.
Barbara was incredibly generous with her time, talents, and resources, always giving freely and never seeking recognition in return. She was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews and was deeply devoted to her family. She was an exceptionally talented basket weaver and never met a craft she couldn’t master.
She also loved to travel and explore the world, often accompanied by her siblings or nieces and nephews. Over the years she visited 47 of the 50 states and four of the seven continents, forming friendships and memories everywhere she went.
Barbara was a longtime member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Tatum Springs, Kentucky, and most recently attended Sand Spring Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg.
She is survived by her three sisters: Julia Thompson (Allen), Sue Reno (Scott), and Betty Montgomery (Bobby), all of Lawrenceburg, and her brother, Kenny Burns of Willisburg.
She is also survived by her nieces: Heather Adams (Randy) of Lawrenceburg, Whitney Beyer (Zach) of Willisburg, and Sydney Fannin (Bradley) of Versailles; and her nephews: Chris Thompson (Dana) of Lawrenceburg, Jeremy Thompson (Joy) of Willisburg, Mack Reno (Sara) of Georgetown, and Caleb Montgomery (Niki) of Lawrenceburg. She is also survived by 11 great-nieces and 5 great-nephews.
Barbara was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends she made wherever life and her travels took her. Barbara’s life reflected her love for God and her family. She lived with grace, generosity, and unwavering faith, and she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord. As the scripture says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 20, 2026 at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home. Dr. Mike Hamrick, Bro. Jeremy Thompson and Bro. Randy Adams will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Sand Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 PM Thursday and after 9 - 11 AM Friday at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Thompson, Jeremy Thompson, Mack Reno, Caleb Montgomery, Zack Beyer, and Randy Adams. Honorary bearers will be Kelly Durham, Heather Adams, Whitney Beyer, Dana Thompson, Joy Thompson, Niki Montgomery, Sara Reno, and her many basket weaving friends.
Memorials in memory of Barbara Burns are suggested to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 1403 Tatum Springs Rd, Willisburg, KY 40078.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, KY. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
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