Barbara "Barb" Deines, 76, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS.

Barb was born on September 23, 1948, in Beloit, KS, to Frederick and Lucille (Ochs) Sahlfeld. She graduated from St. John the Baptist Catholic High School in Beloit and later earned her cosmetology license from a school in Salina.

On April 11, 1970, Barb was united in marriage to the love of her life, Merlin Deines, in Beloit. Together, they shared 55 years of unwavering devotion and love. After a brief time in McPherson, KS, the couple returned to the Deines family farm in rural WaKeeney in 1972, where they built a beautiful life rooted in family and faith.

Barb's early career as a cosmetologist in WaKeeney soon blossomed into a lifelong commitment to service and community. She balanced part-time work at The Donut Shop and Sale Barn Café, served meals at farm auctions, and continued to cut and style hair for family and friends—a gift she shared generously.

In 1992, Barb found her true calling as a cook at WaKeeney Grade School and Junior High. Her dedication and warmth eventually led her to become the Food Service Coordinator, a role she held until her retirement in 2015. Ask any student she served, and they'd likely call her "the best lunch lady ever." Her love of cooking didn't end at work—she was famous for the hearty, delicious meals she prepared for her family, especially during wheat harvests where she'd also drive the wheat truck.

Barb also served her community in many quiet but impactful ways—keeping books at the Trego County Fair, cheering on her children at every event, and later, cherishing every moment with her seven beloved grandchildren. She rarely missed a game of Wheel of Fortune (though her mom remained the reigning champ), and always made time for her favorite game shows.

A faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Barb was active in the Altar Society, the Extension Homemakers Unit (EHU), and regularly volunteered at church events, greeting parishioners with a warm smile.

She is survived by her husband, Merlin; her children: Tricia Petz (Brian) of Newton, KS; Brad Deines (Tava) of Ellis, KS; Christa Swartz (Rian) of Haven, KS; and Dusty Deines of Inman, KS. She was the proud grandmother of Dylan, Bryson, and Trystan Petz; Brayden and Bentley Deines; and Cooper and Walker Swartz. Also surviving are her siblings: Bob Sahlfeld of Beloit, KS; Deanne Sirles of Glen Allen, VA; Richard Sahlfeld (Gail) of Prairie Village, KS; Jeanette Black (Larry) of Nocona, TX; Jerry Sahlfeld of Salina, KS; Steve Sahlfeld (Cindy) of South Sioux City, NE; and Stan Sahlfeld (Marianne) of Beloit, KS; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lucille Sahlfeld; her in-laws, Herbert and Elma Deines; her brothers Ed and infant Gregory Sahlfeld; brother-in-law Bill Sirles; and sisters-in-law Mary Ann and Jan Sahlfeld.

A Vigil Service will be held Thursday, April 24, from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, followed by the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 North 9th St., WaKeeney. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barb's honor to the 'Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney' or for 'Mass intentions', and should be addressed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.

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