Charlene Maxine Barnett

Charlene Maxine (Seeberger) Barnett, 87, of Colby, died Saturday, April 4, 2026. She was born on July 24, 1938, to Edwin Charles and Loretta Elizabeth (Schiltz) Seeberger. She was born and raised on the family farm east of Rexford, KS. She attended school in Rexford until her senior year, when the high school burned down. She then had to transfer to Selden High School for her senior year, graduating in 1956.

Charlene was united in marriage to Darrell Barnett on June 6, 1957, in Selden, KS. They lived on a farm north of Rexford before moving to Longmont, CO in October 1961. While there, they raised three children, Sandra, Janice and Bernard. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont. Darrell and Charlene moved to Colby in September 1993. She then became a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Colby.

Rarely was there a time to find Charlene at a standstill with idle hands since she maintained a high standard in all she did. Her homemade meals, baking, family, friends and community volunteering filled her hours. The spring, summer and fall found Charlene outside, working in her yard and gardens. Most people only got to enjoy her front yard and flowers, but her true love of nature was found in her backyard flower gardens, especially her roses.

Winter months were filled with quilts and embroidery projects that she shared with her volunteer projects, family and friends. She also found time to include volunteer work with church functions, Hospice, RSVP, Daughters of Isabella, Queen Mary Circle, the Colby hospital Pink Ladies and the Prairie Museum Quilting Ladies. She recently joined a fun group of ladies that play Canasta. Another favorite was attending the Colby High School and College sporting events, where she got to visit with her friends and enjoy the games.

Charlene loved spending time with friends and family, making friends everywhere she went. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her ultimate blessings. They always knew when they opened the freezer, there would be some of their favorite cookies or brownies. The family BBQs and picnics were remembered by all that got to enjoy her potato salad, her baked treats, especially her chocolate sheet cake, and the yard/card games. Her oven was always warming up in the early morning hours to bake treats to share with visitors or send home with those that came to share time with her.

Charlene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her kind and loving spirit will continue to bring fond memories of her dedication to her family and friends. During the holidays at her house, there was sure to be a Bunco or Farkle party with some fun prizes. Charlene was a beautiful, quiet, strong soul, but laughter and a fun time were guaranteed when she was present.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Darrell and sisters, Carol Allaman and Dorothy Price.

She is survived by her children, Sandy (Harry) Johnston, Orange Park, FL, Janice (Al) Ackerman, Hays, KS, and Bernie (Kris), Mead, CO; seven grandchildren, Chris, Tony, Amber, Mandie, Ryan, Darin and Brandon and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Joann (Tom) Reedy, Larned, KS, Betty Ann (Bob) Fluher, Loveland, CO, Delores Seeberger, Quinter, KS; sister-in-law Opal Moss, Hoxie, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children, that have special memories of holidays, fish frys, BBQs and making homemade ice cream with amazing chocolate desserts at Aunt Charlene’s house.

Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial at 2:00 p.m. in the Selden Cemetery, Selden. Memorials may be made to Pioneer Memorial Library or Prairie Museum of Art and History and mailed in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com