Kensington resident, Barbra Jean Rader, passed away at the Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 84.

Barbra was born on September 6th, 1941, to Ralph W. and Ellen A. (Eller) Searight in their home at Kensington, KS.

She graduated from high school as a Kensington Goldbug in 1959 and attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence for a brief time in Business studies, but later transferred to school in Grand Island, NE. After her schooling, she continued to live in Kensington and kept busy in the community, often being asked to sing at church, weddings, and special events.

In 1960, a trip to the Rooks County Fair in Stockton led to her meeting the eventual love of her life, Harrison (Harry) Rader. They were eventually married on July 13th, 1962, in Harry’s home state of Tennessee, and returned to the Kensington area soon after. Barbra began working at the Golden Fountain Café and Harry for Ferguson Brothers Farms. Their first child, Michael (Mike), was born in January 1963, and their second, Vicki Sue, in January of 1964.

Barbra and Harry later purchased the Golden Fountain Café in Kensington and operated it together for 17 years. They also operated a dog kennel, raising several breeds for a number of years. After selling the café, they were self-employed with a house painting business, travelling to many local communities for work. Barbra was employed for a time at Remus Real Estate in Smith Center, managing their office. She loved to bake, and if most people in Kensington hadn’t at least tried her pies, candy and cookies, it would be a surprise. She loved helping people, animals, and family, but also received a tremendous amount of help from the Kensington community, especially in her later years. She valued it immensely.

Barbra was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Searight and her sister Betty Dettmer. She is survived by her son Michael (Ellen) Rader of Wilson, KS, granddaughters Jennifer Rader (Cody Knudson), Heather Rader (Eric Cable), and Andrea Skucius (Scott) and great-granddaughter Kinsley Mae Skucius. She is also survived by daughter Vicki Rader of Kensington, grandchildren: David (Xai) Pannuty and Jennifer (Jeremy) Mizunaga; and Great Grandchildren: Jordan Pannuty, Vinny Pannuty, Kaylee Mizunaga, and Nevaeh Mizunaga,

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Dave Hutson officiating.

Friends may sign the book at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Kensington Community Grocery Store.

Arrangements by: Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.