Barbara Chambers

Barbara Beth Chambers of Derby, Kansas; a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and compassionate nurse and educator, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.

Barbara was born on July 5, 1937, to Forrest and Edith White in Fort Madison, Iowa. She was a 1955 graduate of Fort Madison Senior High School in Fort Madison, Iowa, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 1959.

On August 15, 1959, Barbara married the love of her life, Kenneth Chambers, at Santa Fe United Methodist Church in Fort Madison. Together they built a life rooted in faith and family.

Barbara’s career in nursing and education reflected her commitment to the well-being of others. Over the years, she held a variety of positions in both clinical and academic settings, always striving to provide the best possible care to her patients and to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

She was immensely proud of her family and found great joy in their accomplishments. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Kenneth Chambers, and their sons Doug Chambers (Jennifer), Brad Chambers (Melody) and Perry Chambers (Angie). Barbara was a cherished grandmother to Amanda Poirier, Audra Jewell (Caleb), Jaime Chambers (Ben Rearick), Madison Chambers (Keely Brown), Randall Chambers, Ashton Chambers, Kyra Chambers, Elise Cravens (Nathan), Alexa Chambers, and Ainsley Chambers. Her legacy also lives on in her beloved great-grandchildren: Lucca Poirier, Lucas Jewell, Lydia Jewell, Lenox Jewell, Fiona Rearick, and Camille Cravens.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Edith White.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, determination, and the grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy is one of love and dedication to her family and friends.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Derby, Kansas with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.