Charlene Lee (Bartlett) Barnard

We honor the life of Charlene Lee (Bartlett) Barnard, born to Lyman and Blanche (Mann) Bartlett at Beatrice Lutheran Hospital. Charlene's journey began on September 15, 1935, and she embraced life with warmth and love. She passed away on June 10th, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness.

Her childhood was filled with cherished memories alongside her siblings, Ed, Cora, and Joyce. Together, they created a bond that would last a lifetime, filled with laughter, adventures, and shared experiences that shaped their lives. She was baptized and confirmed at Ellis United Methodist Church, which played a significant role in her faith life.

Charlene attended Lincoln Center District 129 and Ellis District 147 for her primary education. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1952 and continued her studies at Doane College, earning her degree in Education in 1954. On June 29, 1955, she married her beloved husband, Kenneth Barnard, at the Ellis United Methodist Church. Together, they created a loving home, initially residing in the Ellis area, then moving to Aurora before returning to Ellis. During their life together, Charlene and Kenneth farmed, embodying the values of hard work and dedication. She also taught school at Wymore and Diller, sharing her passion for education with her students. Charlene and Kenneth raised four children: David, Bryan, Ann, and William. Her family was her pride and joy, and her nurturing spirit will forever resonate within their hearts.

Charlene was a woman of deep faith, actively participating in the Ellis United Methodist Church, where she was involved with the United Methodist Women and served as the church organist. Her musical talents and unwavering commitment to her faith enriched the lives of many in her community.

In addition to her family and church involvement, Charlene was a dedicated member of various community organizations, including 4-H, the Ellis Hustlers Extension Club, and the Beatrice Area Retired Teachers Association. She also served as a substitute teacher, further demonstrating her commitment to education and her community. She enjoyed her time with the Diller Tuesday Card Group, where friendships flourished over shared laughter and card games. One of the notable highlights of her community involvement was her selection as the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Diller Picnic Parade. As we reflect on the life of Charlene Barnard, we honor a woman who embraced every moment with joy and laughter.

Survivors include children, David Barnard and wife Victoria (Holst) of Beatrice, Bryan Barnard and wife Janet (Holle) of Longboat Key, Florida, Ann Engelman and husband Dean of Jansen, William Barnard and wife Rebecca (Villaescusa) of Lincoln. Grandchildren are Joel Barnard and wife LaKendra of Kansas City, Kansas, Erica Weedin and husband Lucas of Lincoln, Shannon Tefft and husband Brian of Lenexa, Kansas, Cacy Curtis and husband Aaron of Rogers, Arkansas, Adam Engelman and wife Brooke of Jansen, Evan Engelman and wife Felicia of Omaha, Amie Hackler and husband Eric of Jansen, Amanda Morris and husband Graydon of Lincoln, Tyler Barnard of Des Moines, Iowa, and Samantha Barnard of Fort Collins, Colorado. Charlene’s 16 great-grandchildren include Layla, Eliette, and Anders Weedin, Jacob and Benjamin Tefft, Hudson and Campbell Curtis, Allison, Preston, and Sidney Engelman, Gabriel, Everly, and Lennox Engelman, Ivy and Abram Hackler, and Margot Morris. Her sisters are Cora Jensby and husband Darrell of Gilbert, Arizona and Joyce Bender of Minden, sister-in-law Carol Bartlett of Lincoln. She is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Barnard (2004), her parents Lyman and Blanche Bartlett, her parents-in-law Lester and Viola Barnard, her brother Edward Bartlett, her siblings-in-law Paul Bender, Marion and Robert Barnard, Barbara and Lamar Barnard, and Audrey and Paul Kuntz.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Ellis United Methodist Church with Pastor Hollis Patterson officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from noon to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Ellis United Methodist Church and the Diller Community Foundation with the mortuary in charge. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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