Barbara Burgen

Barbara Anne Burgen, 95, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Presbyterian Manor of Topeka. She was born on April 17, 1930, in Clay Center, Kansas, the only child of Lyle Wayne and Bernadine Ione (Reboul) Ernst. Her early childhood was spent growing up in the community of Broughton where her maternal grandparents owned and operated the general store. She was a 1948 graduate of Wichita North High School and spent time in Rapid City, South Dakota before moving to Topeka in 1953 and started a job in the banking industry. In 1956 she married Kenneth Lloyd Burgen in Clay Center, KS. Ken and Barb made Topeka their home, celebrating 56 years together before he passed away on January 4, 2013. In 1975, Barb began a career with St. Francis Hospital, retiring in 2007 and immediately went back to the hospital as a volunteer for another 12.5 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a half-sister, Betty Stannard and one step great grandson, Jacob Rake. Survivors include a son, Ken (Sherry) Burgen of Topeka, a daughter, Sheri (Tony) Rundell, of Bixby, OK; four grandchildren, Kenny (Misty) Burgen and Shannon (Ryan) Hoskinson of Topeka, Tyler (Rick) Burgen of Wichita and Zach (Anna) Rundell of Tulsa, OK.; two step grandchildren, Doug Rake and Kevin (Dawn) Rake of Topeka; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsey Burgen, Trinity Willett, Seth, Levi and Anna Hoskinson, Leo and Weston Rundell; twelve step grandchildren, Zach (Rian) Kelly, Kourtnie Feliciano, Kyra (Dalton) Tripe. Trenton Rake, Ashton Rake, Malanea Rake, Austin Tillman, Braden Tillman, Rylan Rake, Payton Tillman, Karley Rake and Addie Tillman; two great-great grandchildren, Brylee Wolf and Anthony Wolf; five step great-great grandchildren, Addie Kelly, Mason Frederick-Munsell, Colton Tripe, Parker Tripe and Adin Cushinberry. Barbara's family will greet friends on Monday, June 16, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Burial will be Tuesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara' memory to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Barbara Burgen

April 17, 1930 - June 12, 2025