Barbara Jean Kletke

Barbara Kletke left us Sunday August 23rd, 2026 after living quite the fulfilled life of 87 years. Early into 2026, she received a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. A woman of grit, Barbara lived out the remaining days at her home with the help of family and caretakers before passing peacefully in her sleep. Barbara was born on July 10th, 1939 to Edith and Elbert Littrell. She grew up 10 miles West of Aline, OK, and attended Prairieville School right across the street until it burned down. She finished at Aline School and then worked at various jobs, Pangburns Cafe, Kings Crossing in Wichita, KS, VIP Waitress, and the Alva Cleaners. When she was working at the VIP she met her future husband, Edward, who asked her to dance. Together, Barbara and Eddie raised their son Jeff on the homeplaces northwest of town, and when Jeff’s wife Shelly passed Barabara helped raise her grandchildren, Justin and Brittney. During this time Barbara was instrumental in helping run a large farm and ranch and they employed many ranch hands throughout the years. Her home cooked meals during harvest made the hard work an event, and even gardened her own vegetables to cook for the harvesters. Barbara defined her life by her role of a mother and matriarch, the hard work of farming and ranching, and the relationships forged with friends and family along the way. She was easy to work with, stern but fun-loving, and enjoyed letting loose if the opportunity presented itself. Barbara enjoyed a night out on the town but was also often hosting family events, parties, or sometimes the local bridge card game. Barbara impacted so many lives and her hard working, fun loving ethos will remain in our hearts long after she has gone. She will be missed, but her cherished imprint remains. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Elbert Littrell, husband Edward Kletke, son Jeffrey Kletke, daughter-in-law Shelly Kletke, five brothers Pete, George, Jack, Faye, and Ray Littrell, two sisters Wanda, and Norma Hufford, Barbara is survived by one grandson, Justin Kletke, and great-grandson Alexander Kletke of Alva, OK. One granddaughter and her husband, Brittney and Aaron Dishman, and two great-grandsons, Gavin and Kilian, of Wichita, KS. One brother and wife, Bill and Rene Littrell, two sisters, Peggy VanMeter and Alberta Littrell, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the Zion Lutheran church.

Barbara Jean Kletke

July 10, 1939 - August 23, 2026