Barbara Ann Stiles

Barbara Ann (Newton) Stiles, our loving mom, grandma, and great grandma, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was 87 years old.

Barbara was born on July 2, 1937, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of John and Bessie Newton. She grew up in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, graduating from Wichita High School North in 1955. After finishing high school, Barbara worked in the Keen Kutter Building for Safeway Grocery in their offices. While working there, a co-worker set her up on a blind date that ended up being the love of her life, Norman Stiles. He was also from Wichita, but stationed at the time in Northern California in the United States Marine Corps. Barbara and Norman were married on September 23,1958 in Reno, Nevada, where they continued to live until he was discharged from the Marines. They moved back to Wichita,where they raised their family and were together for 65 years of marriage. Barbara also held other various jobs throughout her life, including working for Macy’s in downtown Wichita, Safelite AutoGlass, helping Norman in his machine shop,and having a home daycare, where she loved and cared for many babies and young children, including several of her own grandchildren.

Barbara was the heart of her family. She loved spending time with them, sharing meals, playing games, and spoiling them with gifts. They all enjoyed their time together, taking her all over town, and listening to her many stories of her life growing up in Wichita, and how she and Norman fell in love many years ago. Several of her grandchildren had special names for her. She was often referred to as Barbara, Babs, or Barbie. Her family was the joy of her life, and she was theirs.

Barbara had not only a love for Norman and her family, but for Jesus. Together, they spent most of their married lives in church, where they dedicated much of their time to serving others. Anywhere they went, they shared their love of Christ. through their compassion and generosity to those around them. Together, they shared their love for everyone.

Barbara was also known for her love of sweets, shopping, and Michael Buble. She had a list of songs that held a special place in her heart for herself and Norman, “You and I” being one of her favorites. She loved visiting The Nifty Nuthouse. Her home was never without a bowl or two filled with candy. She also loved shopping with her daughters whenever they were together.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and three older brothers, her husband, Norman and her daughter-in-law, Becky. She is survived by her children, Joe, Scott (Kelly), Julie (Matt), Larry, and Joni (Jeff); her grandchildren, Katie (Clay), Andy (Bri), Matt (Emily), Jordan (Katie), Haley, Lauren (Eric), Mekenzie, Lexie, Cooper, Jackson, and Harrison;her great grandchildren, Charlie, Brody, Nolan, Bo, Banks, Oliver, Lydia, Levi, Jonah, Lucy, Tatum, and Sloane; her brother, George; her sister in law, Evonne; and many other nieces,nephews, and her sweet, little dog, Sugarplum.

A Celebration of Life honoring the life of Barbara, will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 2 pm at Sharon Baptist Church, 2221 South Oliver, Wichita, Kansas.

Though her absence leaves us heartbroken, we rejoice that Barbara is in the arms of Jesus and her soulmate, Norman. She is now at peace and free from any suffering. Some of us were so blessed to have the opportunity to call her Mom, Grandma, and friend. She will be forever remembered and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.