Jean Fay Barnett

Jean Fay Barnett, 89, Independence, Kansas passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas. Cremation has taken place, and a Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Memorials may be made to the Independence Historical Museum, and Art Center and may be mailed to 123 N. 8th Street Independence, Kansas 67301 or may be left with the chapel. 

Jean Fay Koehler was born on November 14, 1935, in Alameda, California.

Jean’s mother, Laura W. Walker Koehler died in 1991 in Santa Clara, California.

Jean’s dad, Eugene W, Koehler died in 1995 in Vallejo, California. Jean’s mother was a leader of the I AM Sanctuary church in California, joining the church when Jean was two-years-old and sending her from California to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to attend the church school at the age of twelve. She stayed in Santa Fe for eight years. After graduating from High school, she worked for the church art department. Jean has remained a member of the I AM Sanctuary.

Jean first married Peter Wilcox for a short period of time. They met and danced at an Aurthur Murry dance competition. She divorced Peter after one year. Jean was an accomplished classical pianist. Peter sold all of her music and grand piano before their divorce. She never played again. She married William Kenneth Barnett in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1976. He passed away of cancer at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto. Jean met Norman Burket at a Mensa (a gathering for intellectuals) in California. Together they started an accounting business and sold accounting software. Jean also opened an art store where they sold art that was done by Norm and Jean.

Jean and Norman moved to Independence in 2001 where they established “Jean & Norman Art” and lived in the Country Club Addition. After Norman’s death from Covid Jean moved to the Eighth and Main or Cowen & Esry apartments and was known as an avid walker. From her apartment she would be seen with her cart, walking to the grocery store, post office, museum, and to her coffee group at Laurel Store Bakery.

Jean was a member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and seldom missed a First Friday or Business After Hours event. She was recognized at a recent First Friday for attending the very first First Friday event twenty-years ago. She was a member of the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center and is credited with creating the museum’s webpage. She seldom missed a museum luncheon or an artist’s workshop. Jean was a donor to the IHMAC Forever campaign.

Jean is survived by a brother, Donald Koehler, who lives in Arizona; a niece, Lisa Haywood, who lives in North Carolina; and a nephew, Steven Koehler, who lives in Arizona. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.