Barbara Jean Burstert, 88, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at NorthCare Hospice House, North Kansas City.  Her loving family by her side.

Barbara Jean Burstert was born on February 13, 1937, in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Kenneth Everett and Mildred Pearl (Land) Brooks. She was united in marriage to Roy Francis "Buster" Burstert of Hamden, on October 26, 1957: he preceded her in death on July 15, 1997.

Survivors include: son, Brian Burstert and his wife Kipper of Richmond; daughter Melanie Schreier and her husband Kevin of Lexington; 6 grandchildren, Joshua (Abby) Burstert, Christopher (Chelsea) Burstert, Allie (Chris) Edwards, Courtney (David) Chaney, Stephanie (Kyle) Brockhaus and Haylee (Blake) Barlow; 12 great grandchildren, Avery, Lucy, James, Claire and Caylee Burstert, Olivia Edwards, Beau Chaney, Mackenzie Chaney, Kynlee Brockhaus, Karsyn Brockhaus, Kamryn Brockhaus, and Rollie Barlow; one brother, Richard "Dick" Brooks, of Overland Park.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Bruce Duane Burstert, great-grandson Christopher Brian Burstert, Jr., and three brothers, Larry Brooks, Dean Brooks and Jerry Brooks.

Barb was raised and educated in Marceline, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. In addition to raising her children, she worked outside the home at Duvall's Shoe Store in Richmond and also enjoyed helping out at several area antique shops. A devoted mother, Barb deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known for her warm, recognizable smile and her surprisingly modern taste in music. Barb loved socializing—whether gathering with family and friends or enjoying a beer together. She had a passion for antiques and took great joy in collecting them over the years. She shared a special bond with her younger brother, and their favorite phrase together was, "It is what it is." Barb was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Richmond.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the Ray County Humane Society.   Memorial contributions can be either dropped by or mailed in care of the family to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main St. – P.O. 190, Richmond, 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Richmond. Visitation will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Richmond.  Please remember to share your condolences and special memories of Barb with the family by visiting wwwthurmfuneralhome.com.