Barbara Jean Ferguson (Kent) passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026. Born March 10, 1949, and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Barbara was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Independent and determined, funny and generous, she cared deeply for her family and friends and lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, faith, and a desire to do something special for the people she loved. 

Barbara’s devotion to family was evident from an early age. When she was 15, her five-year-old sister, Carol, was attacked by a dog. Barbara came to her rescue and saved her younger sister’s life. Barbara worked a number of blue-collar jobs earlier in life. Following a car accident, she found an unexpected opportunity to take her life in a new direction. She returned to school at Johnson County Community College, where she earned her associate degree. She eventually found more than a career at College Park Family Care. She found a work family, spending many years there before retiring. 

Her generosity extended to her church community. At Antioch Church, Barbara volunteered her time teaching children in Sunday school and took time off to help with Vacation Bible School. 

Barbara loved to make things. She crocheted, sewed, created iron-on T-shirts, and used her creativity to make gifts for the people she loved, including large, framed name signs, especially for each of her grandchildren. She also loved to cook and bake. Her family knew her for her potato salad, cucumber slices, and pumpkin mousse. Once, while perfecting a banana nut rum cake recipe for a Betty Crocker contest, Barbara baked cake after cake, giving them to friends, family, coworkers, and just about anyone willing to take one and provide feedback until she was satisfied with her recipe. 

Barbara loved to shop, but often the fun was in finding something for somebody else. She regularly bought presents for family and friends simply because she came across something she thought they would enjoy, with no birthday or holiday required. She loved to read, had a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed settling in to watch her favorite shows. Supernatural was a particular favorite, and family holiday gatherings often included Barbara recapping the latest adventures for everyone, whether they had been following the show or not. 

A lifelong Kansas City sports fan, Barbara faithfully cheered for the Chiefs and Royals. When her son enrolled at the University of Kansas, she added the Jayhawks to her loyalties and became an avid KU fan, and would decorate her car on her many trips to Lawrence. 

Animals held a special place in Barbara’s heart throughout her life. She shared her home with several dogs in her younger years and cats later in life, including Gracie, her beloved 22-year-old cat and longtime best friend. 

Above all, Barbara loved her family. 

She is survived by her sons, Marshall Slaughter and Stephen Slaughter; Stephen’s wife, Hauna Slaughter; and her grandchildren, Sawyer Slaughter, Charli Slaughter, and Caleb Slaughter. Each of her grandchildren shared a special connection with their grandmother. Sawyer and Barbara had their own special goodbye, always ending their time together with a nose-to-nose kiss. Barbara and Charli shared a deep love of animals and a fondness for collecting stuffies. With Caleb, Barbara shared a natural curiosity and love of learning about new things.

Barbara is also survived by her sister, Carol Morgan; brother, Daryl Kent; sister-in-law, Linda Kent; nieces Jessica Garcia, Natalie McConnell, Shana Kent, and Coleen Kent; and nephew Darin Kent. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Delores Kent. 

Barbara faced serious health challenges during the final year of her life. When those challenges became too great, she chose hospice care, said goodbye to those she loved, and passed away peacefully. 

Memorial service information will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory consider making a contribution to a local animal shelter, reflecting her lifelong love and compassion for animals.