Barbara A. Nyquist

Barbara A. Nyquist, 66, Topeka, passed away Friday April 22, 2005, after a long illness with cancer. Barbra was born in Emporia, KS on May 26, 1938, the daughter of Albert and Margaret Redman Hankins. Barbara graduated in 1956 from Newton High School as a National Merit Scholar and attended Sacred Heart College, Wichita, KS. She was the wife of William G. Nyquist, Jr. for 47 years. They married on Feb. 1, 1958. Barbara was a longtime member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka. She taught religious education at Most Pure Heart for several years. She was a lector, Communion minister and served in other church related activities. She saw her main vocation as being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was successful in all of these. Barbara retired from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern KS Health Care System, Topeka, after 29 years of service in Aug. 2001. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employer, Chapter #2, Topeka, KS. She volunteered at the Topeka Performing Arts Center and Ward Meade Park. Barbara also was a member of KSU Kaw Valley Catbackers, Friends of the Topeka Zoo and belonged to 190th ARW (PACK) retired group. She was preceded in death by her father, Albert E. Hankins. Left to cherish her memory are her husband; her mother; a daughter, Carissia D. Cantrell, of Mesa, AZ; a son, Brian M. Nyquist, and wife, Allison, of Clayton, CA; grandsons, Joey Cantrell, Brendon Cantrell, and William Cantrell, of Mesa, AZ; granddaughters, Madison Nyquist and Melissa Nyquist, of Clayton, CA; sisters, Betty Williamson, Ponca City, OK, and Frances Quint, Newton, KS; brothers, Chris Hankins, Oottewah, TN, Terry Hankins, Newton, KS; eight nieces; eight nephews; and a cousin, Mary Ann Gabel, of Topeka. Barbara will lie in state and family will greet friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka, the Missionaries of Charity Fathers, in care of Christ the King Church, or Midland Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Barbara A. Nyquist

May 26, 1938 - April 22, 2005