Barbara Headrick

Barbara Elleene Kennedy Headrick, 85, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on March 7, 1941, also in Wichita, to Charles LeGrant “Lee” and Gwendolyn Belle (Mitchell) Kennedy.

Barbara shared a beautiful life with her husband and best friend, Larry Dee Headrick. They met at Boulevard State Bank and were married on December 28, 1960, and recently celebrated more than 65 wonderful years together filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind Larry Dee; her daughters and sons-in-law, Laurie and Curt Niehaus and Leasha and Carl Litif; and her cherished grandchildren, Regan and Ryan Baxter, Anissa Litif, Taylor Niehaus and Conner Zimmerman, Grant Niehaus, Addison and Brady Montgomery, CJ Litif and Aiden Litif. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Brinley and Emma Baxter, Addy and Mateo Litif and Baby Montgomery expected in December.

Additionally, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Connie Kennedy, her sisters-in-law, Kay Clodfelter and Lela Headrick, and many extended family members whom she loved dearly.

She will also be missed by her beloved cat, Stella, who was a constant companion and nap buddy.

Barbara spent many years as a branch manager for Mid Kansas Federal Savings and Loan before retiring as a mortgage loan officer for Mid American Credit Union. She valued the friendships she made throughout her career and genuinely enjoyed helping others with their financial needs.

Barbara found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — camping trips all over the United States, cruises with family, playing golf, crocheting, quilting, playing piano and singing hymns from the United Methodist hymnal. She never met an ice cream shop she could resist. She was always happiest with a baby in her arms.

Another of her greatest joys was baking for the people she loved. She frequently baked cookies and pies for family and friends, and regularly cooked meals or treats for fire stations. You could often find her making special deliveries to Fire Stations 11, 12 and 22 in Wichita, something she did generously and often.

Barbara and Larry also treasured the fifteen winters they spent in Sun City, Arizona, where they formed lasting friendships with people who became like family.

Barbara will be remembered for her warm heart, quiet kindness, and the thoughtful ways she cared for the people around her every single day. Her love was felt in the little things, and those who knew her will miss her deeply.

Visitation will be Friday, the 22nd of May from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby, KS. Services will be Saturday, the 23rd of May at 10:00 a.m. at Smith Mortuary, followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Silknitter and SW Prairie Creek Road, Rose Hill, Kansas. The service will be streamed online through the mortuary’s website at www.smithfamilymortuaries.com 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wichita Firefighters Charitable Fund, 428 N. Saint Francis, Wichita, Kansas, 67202, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.