Barbara Jean (Atkins) Rist Buller was born March 22, 1940 in Houston, Texas to Jack and Esther (Murphee) Atkins.  She grew up in Houston where she graduated from high school.  She attended college at Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma, graduating with a teaching degree.

On June 5, 1965, Barbara was united in marriage with Stephen E. Rist.  In 1968, Stephen was ordained and they began their ministry in the Nazarene Church, serving in Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Kansas.  A son, Stephen Eugene Rist, came to grace this union in 1969.  In 1976, they made their forever home in Anthony, Kansas.  Reverend Rist pastored the Nazarene Church and Barbara taught second grade at Anthony Elementary.  Sadly, Stephen passed away on August 16, 1989.  Barbara remained in Anthony and continued teaching until retiring.

In 1993, Barbara was united in marriage with Wayland Ray Buller.  This union blessed Barbara with three stepchildren: Diana, Tami, and Mickey.  Wayland passed away on November 28, 2024.

On April 29, 2026, Barbara passed away at Country Living in Anthony, Kansas at the age of 86.

She will be deeply missed by her children:  Stephen Rist, Diana Cornett and husband, Craig, Tami Gardner and husband, Bobby, and Mickey Buller and fiancé, Marissa; sister, Pat Hamer; brother, James "JR" Atkins; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, former students, and friends.

Friends may view and sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony with Pastor Kent Olds officiating.

Memorials in memory of Barbara may be made payable to Gideons International and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.