Barbara Mclain

Barbara Winkler McLain, 85, of Topeka, Kansas, died, Friday, December 10, 2021, at the Gardens at Aldersgate in Topeka. She was a long-time resident of the area.

Barbara was born July 9, 1936, in Topeka, KS to Norman and Clara Mueller Winkler. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland, KS.

She attended local schools and then began a 27-year career working for the Federal government as a clerk. She was employed by the Kansas National Guard in Topeka, KS, Robbins Air Base, Warner Robbins, GA, and then for the United States Coast Guard in Topeka, KS.

Barbara married William Schott and they were later divorced. She married Fred Berrong and he preceded her in death. Barbara later married Jim McLain. They were divorced.

After she retired, she was active in the Topeka Community as a volunteer and a member of several organizations. She was a member of the Lowman United Methodist Church and was Vice-President of the Lowman Women’s organization. She served on the board of the Topeka National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). She was a member of the Shepherd’s Center, the Sunflower Sod Stompers, and the Wabaunsee County Historical Society. In the past she volunteered at the Topeka “Old Prairie Town,” and the Wabaunsee County Museum in Alma, KS. She loved to sing and participated in the Lowman Church Choir, sang in several community choirs and the Sweet Adeline’s. She also enjoyed traveling and went on tours to Israel, Russia, and Hawaii.

She is survived by her daughter Denise Schott-Malek, Rockford, IL, granddaughter Marly Schott, Chicago, IL, grandson Bryan Malek, Jr., Superior, WI, step-Granddaughter Sophie Gaziano, Rockford, IL, step-daughter-in-law Katheryn Berrong, Jeffersonville, IN, step-grandsons Michael Berrong, Zionsville, IN and Craig Berrong, Louisville, KY, a brother, Alan Winkler and his wife Effa, McFarland, KS and their children, Jeff Winkler, Corinth, TX and Amy Adams, Topeka. She was also preceded in death by her parents, step-son Finney Berrong, and step-grandson Kevin Berrong.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, December 20, 2021, at Lowman Methodist Church in Topeka. Pastor Tony Hazen will be officiating. A graveside inurnment will follow in McFarland City Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Lowman United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Research Fund, and those may be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com