LARNED — Lee Durler lived a life defined by creativity, family, and a dedication to education and learning. She was born in Great Bend, Kan., in 1951 as the oldest daughter of Pat and Del Barlow. Because her father worked in the oil fields, the family moved frequently, instilling in young Lee a resilient, adventurous spirit, a deep and lifelong love of reading, and an appreciation for people from all walks of life.
In high school, Lee was active in art, band, and building close friendships, she graduated Great Bend High School in the class of 1969. After high school, though she earned a scholarship to KU, she chose to attend the brand-new Barton County Community College only partially because her father promised a car if she helped christen the new campus. That decision shaped the rest of her story: she became the college yearbook’s very first editor, played in theater productions, and then, playing Pitch at the student union, met Stan Durler, the love of her life and her partner for the rest of her days.
Together, Lee and Stan embarked on a grand adventure. They married in 1971. They raised two daughters, Jamie and Jodie, and held close in their hearts the memory of a beloved daughter, Sharen Jo, and several angel babies.
Family vacations were sacred traditions. Lee packed up the car and drove her family out of state on camping excursions. Evenings on those trips were filled with laughter, campfires, and legendary rounds of Jenga on wildly wobbly tables—though her family always knew that beating Lee at cards or Jenga was a challenge.
In 2010, her only grandson, Kaden Brice, was born. She loved spending time with him, whether they were playing Nerts, gathering with family each Fourth of July at Lake Eufaula, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Lee’s professional life was a natural extension of her generous heart and her creative skill. She graduated from Fort Hay State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education in English and Journalism. Through her 44-year career in education, she taught English, journalism, and theater, and worked with students K-12. She taught in several places, but her longest tenure was at Sacred Heart School, where she worked for years—starting as a teacher’s aide and culminating as lead teacher, after Sacred Heart, she worked for the Larned public school district. Then, she finished her career at Pawnee Heights High School. She believed in the power of education. She loved her students and celebrated their successes long after they left her classroom.
Outside the classroom, Lee was a creative. She enjoyed making something out of nothing, whether it was crafting gorgeous bouquets out of wrapping paper for wedding showers, a life-size camel for prom pictures, or writing stories like Erin O’ Dare. She brought that same energy to community theater in Larned, where she loved building sets and shining on stage. In the summers, she established TOYS (Theater of Young Stars) and worked with young people to produce plays for the community.
Music was the soundtrack to Lee’s life. As a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, she loved all of her choir family and the music they made together. She believed in making a joyful noise, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now right at home singing with the chorus of angels.
Lee is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Stan Durler of Larned; her daughter Jamie Durler of Garden City, her daughter Jodie Brice, son-in-law Philip Brice, and grandson Kaden, all of Leavenworth, Kan. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Sharen Pflughoeft of Eufala, Okla. and Larned; her brother-in-law Steve Durler (Janice), Larned; her brother-in-law Mike Durler (Debbie), Alamogordo N.M.; and her loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jo Barlow; her parents, Pat and Del Barlow; her daughter, Sharen Jo; several angel babies, and her dear friend, Jo Molleker.
Lee’s warmth, creativity, intellect, and love will live on in the hearts of her family, her former students, and all the lives she touched along the way.
Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Patrick Otor, MSP presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery, Larned. Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Pawnee Heights High School, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
PO Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 1, 2026
