Crystelle Beth Barnett, 85, of Holton, KS, formerly of Arrington, KS, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. She was born January 18, 1937 in Cummings, KS, the daughter of Arthur and Louise (Ebbrecht) Gilkison.

Crystelle graduated from ACCHS in 1954. She grew up in the Brush Creek Community. Since 1958, she lived in Arrington, KS and moved to Holton in 2012.

Crystelle earned her Certified Nurse’s Aide and Certified Medication Aide, working at Horton and Valley Falls.

She was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church, Beck Bookman Library Book Club and a former 4-H Leader.

Crystelle married Howard Barnett on October 24, 1958 in Valley Falls. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Howard of the home; daughter, Melissa Frost (Greg) of Lawrence, KS; 4 sons, Alan Barnett (Kathy) of Arrington, KS, Arthur Barnett of Lenexa, KS, Andy Barnett (Sheryl) of Valley Falls, KS and Aaron Barnett (Erin) of Lee’s Summit, MO; 4 sisters, Wanda Nelson (Marion) of Phoenix, AZ, Marietta Kout of Hiawatha, KS, Faith Smith of San Mateo, CA and Barbara Chase of Phoenix, AZ; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Louise Gilkison; 2 sisters, Jacqueline McConnell and Sarah Clark and 2 brothers, Thomas and Richard Gilkison.

Memorial Service will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service time at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be held at the Muscotah Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Jackson County 4-H Council c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.