Barbara Wood

Barbara Jean Wood, 80, passed away peacefully at home on April 8th, 2026. Barbara was born on August 17th, 1945, in Atchison, KS, to John and Virginia Willmeth. Barbara attended Spring Grove one-room school house in rural Doniphan County for 1st through 8th grade and then Troy High School, from which she graduated in 1963. Barbara married Alvin Wood, Jr. on January 2nd, 1965, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Doniphan, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 2021.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father and mother. Barbara is survived by two daughters, Theresa (Eric) Root of Atchison, Kansas, and Marietta (Nathan) Reynolds of St. Joseph, Missouri; four grandchildren, Owen Root, Aiden Reynolds, AnnaMaria Root, and Elijah Reynolds; three sisters, Linda (Mike) Piper, Mary Merrill, and Shirley Wyland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a lover of nature, gardening, and animals. Barbara especially enjoyed cats and rescued many during her lifetime. Barbara was fond of exercising and ran multiple marathons and enjoyed swimming at the Atchison YMCA. Barbara also enjoyed collecting items and going on road trips. Barbara was a devout Catholic and attended St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Atchison for most of her adult life, along with various Catholic churches in Doniphan County.

Barbara worked at several places during her lifetime, including Horton Garment Company, Benedictine College, and Valley Hope Rehabilitation Center. Barbara spent many years serving as a leader for youth in 4-H, teaching cooking and sewing, and volunteered at multiple agencies in Atchison.

A rosary will be held at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home at 5:30 pm on Friday, April 17th, 2026, followed by a visitation for family and friends until 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Benedict Church in Atchison, KS, at 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, with burial to follow in St. Charles Cemetery in Troy, KS. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Doniphan County Pet Rescue located at 887 Friendship Road, Bendena, KS 66008. Phone number: 913-370-3297. Doniphan County Pet Rescue Donate Online