Barbara Rink

Barbara Rink, 83, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday, October 18, 2024. Born August 15, 1941, in Frankfort, Kentucky, to the late Marvin and Katherine Deats Hart, Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her kindness and warmth touched everyone around her. Known as "Gammy" to all who knew and loved her, she created a special bond with her family and friends.
Barbara attended Bridgeport School in Frankfort from first grade to eleventh grade. The summer before her senior year, she served on a committee that decided and designed the school colors, mascot, coat of arms, and class rings for the newly consolidated Franklin County High School. This consolidation brought together students from four different schools, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime, with many still meeting monthly to this day.
Barbara graduated with the first class of Franklin County High School in 1959 and went on to graduate from Bowling Green Business University, now part of Western Kentucky University. She loved school, particularly math and accounting, where she truly excelled. The only thing she disliked about school was having to recite poetry in front of the class.
She had a fulfilling career as an accountant in the horse industry at Three Chimneys Farm, where her sharp mind and integrity made a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike. Beyond her professional life, she was known for her boundless love for her family and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures-whether it was shopping, reading, or tending to her garden.
Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, Thomas Digby, Madeline Digby, and Polly Rink. Barbara treasured her time with them, never missing a baseball game, dance recital, or admiring her granddaughter's artwork, and showering them with encouragement and love. She also adored her granddogs, who brought her endless comfort and happiness.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John Rink; her daughter, Lisa Rink; her son, Brian Rink; sisters-in-law Patsy Henry, Donna Burch (Terry), Terry Weber (William); many nieces and nephews; and dear friend Sarah Hines. She was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta Rosich, her brother, Jack Hart, and brother-in-law Garry Henry.
Visitation will take place at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 24. A Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary on Friday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Frankfort Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center in Barbara's honor.
Barbara will be remembered for her selfless spirit, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering love for those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and strength, and her memory will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her.