Alice Ilene Barrett

Alice Ilene Barrett, 96, of Mission, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a family who will forever cherish her.

Alice was born on October 7, 1930, in Emporia, Kansas. The daughter of Will and Ovoilette Ruse Phillips. She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Barrett on January 14, 1949 and together they built a life centered around family, friendship, and community. While Bill served in the United States Air Force, the couple spent time living in Sacramento, California, before eventually making Mission, Kansas, their longtime home.

Throughout their years together, Alice and Bill enjoyed square and round dancing, serving their community through biannual spaghetti suppers, hosting garage sales, and participating in countless other activities. 

Alice spent many years sewing and doing alterations out of her home. She served countless cherished customers and formed many friendships along the way. Alice was also known for her amazing gardens, which seemed to produce the best vegetables and the most beautiful flowers year after year. Her gardens were yet another reflection of the love she put into everything she did.

Alice was sunshine and joy, all that is precious and good in a person, and sometimes even a little ornery. Her love was palpable to everyone she encountered. She had a special gift for making people feel at home. Whether through her work, her community involvement, or a conversation, Alice left a little piece of herself with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Barrett; her grandson, Kevin Barrett; her parents, Will and Ovoilette Phillips; her brothers, Ray Phillips, Bob Phillips, and LeeRoy Phillips; and her sisters, Beulah Spillman and Rose Sluder.

She is survived by her two sons, Terry (Cathy) Barrett of Mission, Kansas, and Scott (Julie Allen) Barrett of Georgia; two granddaughters, Kristen (Jackson Benedict) Barrett of New York City and Kahli (Alex) Duling of Omaha; one great-grandson, Jack Benedict; her sister, Marjorie Whitney of Hutchinson, Kansas; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members alike. 

As her parents once so beautifully said: “Our prayers always will be that we shall meet in Glory with not one missing.”