NEWTON—Barbara “Barb” Fayette was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world on April 23, 2022, at the age of 89.
She was born to Clayton and Elsie (Soth) Ainsworth on March 18, 1933, in Newton.
After graduating from Newton High School in 1951, Barbara worked at Midland National Bank as a teller. In the summer of 1960, while visiting her sister, Shirley, she met her future husband, Donald. Following a six-month long-distance relationship, an engagement ring arrived via the U.S. Postal Service. She married Donald Nelson Fayette on Jan. 21, 1961, in Newton.
While stationed at the Alameda Naval Base, Barbara began her life’s purpose being a mother, giving birth to her oldest three sons. Following retirement from the Navy, Don suggested they return to Kansas for a visit. He would later joke he was not allowed to leave. Over the next several years, their family grew to a total of eight children.
Barbara loved cooking and baking for her family and watching her children participate in sports and other activities. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Every Saturday, she made her famous hamburgers before enjoying an evening of cards with her lifelong friend, Pat Angood. Taking care of others was Barbara’s life work. She was passionate about her family, her sports, and her faith. Barbara was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Survivors include her children, Jeff Fayette of Wichita, David (Deneen) Fayette of Wichita, Tom Fayette, Lisa Fayette, Ed Fayette, Mark Fayette, all of Newton, Robyn (James) Davis of Walton and Heather Fayette of Wichita; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Schneider of Grand Island, Neb., Jordon (Julie) Fayette of Newton, Joshua (Seiko) Fayette of Guam, Andrew Fayette of Denver, Jacob Fayette of Kansas City, Daniel Fayette of Manhattan, Rachel Fayette of Wichita, Stuart Fayette of Fort Drum, N.Y.; 11 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Shirley Harvey of Fox, Ark., Frances Hayes of Newton, Tim Ainsworth of Newton and Becky (Jim) Seger of Newton, along with countless nieces and nephews.
Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Don Fayette; son, Sam Fayette; granddaughter, Julia Fayette; and siblings, Clayton “Buzzy” Ainsworth, Jerry Ainsworth, Susan Birkle, Regina Busby and Louis Ainworth.
The casket was open after noon Wednesday, April 27, at the funeral home.
The Recitation of the Holy Rosary was at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newton.
A memorial has been established with Caring Hands Humane Society, and contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS, 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
