Barbara Manspeaker

Barbara Jean Manspeaker, devoted wife, loving mother, and the best "Nana" to her five "perfect" grandchildren passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024. "Barb," as she was known to all who loved her, bravely fought cancer over the past 19 months with grace, positivity, and a continued desire to learn all she could about every soul who crossed her path.

Barb was born in Lawrenceville, Illinois to Doyle and Minnie Binyon. The family traveled as Doyle completed projects as a welder. After being sidelined by a vehicle accident, the young family decided that was a sign that Topeka was the place they were to stay.

Barb met her future husband, Terry at the "Touch of Gold" after a friend convinced her to go pick up these good guys from the bar. As luck would have it, one of those guys was a catch, and Barb and Terry tied the knot on June 25, 1971. They made many memories and built a wonderful life, celebrating over 52 years together.

Barbara did not know a stranger. If she did not know you, it would be mere seconds and she would have you engaged in a conversation. She was a wonderful listener and always had the best questions to encourage others to share their story with her. Those who had the opportunity to engage with her would readily share their memories of sitting at her kitchen table or in her and Terry's home. It was and is still a place where anyone was welcomed and knew they would be safe and cared for.

Barb was an amazing mother to Amanda ("Mandy") Czechanski, and Chad who she would say were some of her best works. Besides Terry, her kids, and her son-in law Keith, it was her grandchildren who were the apples of her eye, Stella, Lily, Maggie, Noah, and Henry.

The family would like to thank the many friends and caregivers who have supported Barb. Those include amazing medical, hospice, and in-home caregivers who provided her with exceptional care. Friends who came to visit share stories, bring delicious meals, flowers, and laughter. Each of you held a special place in her heart.

A celebration of Barb's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 1st at The Chapel at Mount Hope Cemetery. A visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 am in the same location. In lieu of flowers, please share a compliment with a stranger, a smile with someone who needs one, or do a good deed for another human being.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.

Barbara's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.