Barbara Jean Kring

  Barbara Jean Kring, 60, of Kearney, NE, formerly of Lexington, NE, passed from her earthly life on to her eternal home on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at CHI Health, in Kearney, NE. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 17th, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.  Burial will be at the Eustis Cemetery at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 18th, followed by a Memorial Service at Lexington Evangelical Free Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Duane Russell officiating.   Barbara Jean Kring was born April 2, 1958, in Lexington, NE, to James C. and Bernadine (Hueftle) Kring. She had many medical issues to overcome and was told she would never walk.  With great determination and encouragement from her parents, she learned to walk, and exceeded the expectations of many. Barb was a member of the Lexington Evangelical Free Church, and she accepted Jesus as her Lord & Savior on December 28, 1968.  Barb attended school at Pershing Elementary, Bryan Elementary, and Lexington Junior High, where she completed her required education and received a certificate of completion from the Special Education Class.   She worked several different jobs during her life, which included cleaning the Avilon Beauty Salon, clearing tables at The Villager Restaurant, and doing janitorial work at Bryan Elementary School in Lexington. She loved animals and enjoyed the pets she had over the years.  Some of Barb’s favorite hobbies were bird-watching, feeding squirrels, painting figurines and other craft projects.  She had amazing skill for detail in her painting. Around age 12, Barb took piano lessons and learned to play “How Great Thou Art”.  Following the Nebraska Cornhusker Football team was her passion.  She enjoyed being able to attend NE Football games over the years.   For years, she faithfully rode her three-wheeled bike across town from her home at Eastlawn Apartments to her job at Bryan Elementary School. We are very appreciative of the many Lexington residents who helped her and looked out for her.  In 2006, Barb moved to Park Avenue Estates in order to receive more care. While she lived at Park Avenue, the staff had a program in which they worked to help fulfill a life-long wish / dream for their residents.  Barb received a surprise visit from a few NE Cornhusker Football players, who gave her an autographed jersey.  This surprise visit was one of the highlights of Barb’s life!   Barb was preceded in death by an infant brother, Thomas Lloyd Kring, her parents, and grandparents, Lloyd & Gladys (Orthman) Kring, and Henry & Minnie (Norden) Hueftle. Survivors include Barb’s sister, Carol Karlberg and husband David of Sumner;  nephew, Kurt Karlberg and wife Jessa of Overton;  niece Lana Karlberg of Sumner;  and niece Kristen Boteo and husband Angel of Sumner,  as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.