Barbara Ciboski

Barbara Ann Bell Ciboski, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away in Wichita, Kansas on September 29, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on August 1, 1935, in McPherson, Kansas.

Barbara was a woman of intelligence, dedication, service, and faith. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honorary. She later received a master's degree in public administration from Wichita State University.

Barbara devoted her professional life to writing, editing, and public service. For 20 years, she worked as a freelance consulting editor and writer before beginning a 20-year career with the City of Wichita in the Budget Office. She retired in 1997 as Chief Budget Officer, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership, and commitment to her community.

Barbara married Kenneth Ciboski in 1958. They later divorced in 1994. She was the proud mother of two daughters, Kendra Naudet (Paul) of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Marla Burke (Dennis) of Metairie, Louisiana.

Her family was a great source of joy and pride. In addition to her children, she is survived by her grandchildren, Abigail Williams (Aaron), Benjamin Naudet, Sean Naudet (Andrea), Grant Naudet (Phylicia Barner-Lewis), and Keelin Fisher; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Teddy Williams.

Barbara is also survived by her sisters, Marilyn Dirks (Norman) and Roberta Mills (Gordon).

Faith and community were important parts of Barbara’s life. She was a longtime member of Pine Valley Christian Church in Wichita, where she was a founding member of the church’s book club. She also greatly enjoyed participating in her Bible study group, where her intelligence, curiosity, and thoughtful approach to Scripture led some to affectionately regard her as a modern theologian. Her love of learning extended beyond her professional accomplishments and remained a meaningful part of her life.

Throughout her life, Barbara was remembered for her intelligence, independence, dedication to her work, strong faith, and deep love for her family. Her accomplishments in journalism, public administration, and public service reflected her lifelong commitment to learning and making a meaningful contribution to those around her. She also found joy in thoughtful conversation, reading, study, and the relationships she built within her church and community.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and, most especially, through the generations of her family who carry her legacy forward.

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held at Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 East 21st, Street, North, Wichita, KS 67209 on Wednesday, November 4, at 3 in the afternoon.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.