Heda Barnard

Heda Rae Barnard, age 50, passed from this earth on February 23, 2026 in Henryetta. Born May 7, 1975 she was the fourth of five children--- strong willed-, hardworking and a natural born leader. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Maude Kemp; her mother Karen Smith; her sister Hope Smith; and brother Donnie Blood. Also, a niece Madison Grace Blood. Heda leaves behind her loving husband of 15 years, Jason Barnard. As Jason lovingly said “We were supposed to fuss and fight for another 20 to 30 years”. Their marriage was built on loyalty, humor, strength and deep love. She is also a lovingly remembered by her mother-in-law, Carmel Barnard, whom Heda supported in countless ways and was always willing to help when needed. She is survived by her brothers, Dean & Nicole Blood, Derrick Lemkuhl and Renea, Tony Lemkuhl; her uncle Mike Tolbert and wife Cindy, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members whose lives she influenced in meaningful ways. She will be most deeply missed by her daughters, Autumn and Madalyn; Son Austin Lemkuhl, her nephew Harley Joe; her great niece Tyla and her great nephew, Kassen. To those closest to her, she was known by many cherished names- “Mom”, “Uncle Heda” and simply “Heda”. Each name carried love, protection, strength and the feeling of home. Heda built her career in the food industry and spent the last 10 to 15 years working in health and nutrition, serving meals to the elderly. She was recruited to work for the Creek Nation by her friend and neighbor, Tonya Trujillo- a simple message that led to work she truly loved. For the past three years, she served in elderly nutrition with the Creek Nation taking pride in providing not just meals, but dignity and care for those she served. At home she especially loved “supervising” her husband. She never hesitated to tell Jason exactly how something should be done- even if he had done it many times before. She just didn’t want him to forget. It was part of their rhythm, their laughter and deep connection shared. Her door was always open. She welcomed people in, offered help when it was needed, and showed up without hesitation. To Heda, family was not only blood-it was commitment, loyalty and presence. She touched countless lives with her strength, humor, and fierce love. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten. Graveside service will be 3:00 pm, Saturday ,28, 2026 at the Kemp Family Cemetery east of Krebs, OK under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home. y Kemp Family Cemetery : From Krebs, OK take Highway 31 East and turn west (Left) on the next road after you pass Buffalo Mountain Rd exit. Follow this road to the top of the hill and the Kemp home is the first home on the left at the top. The cemetery is in the back yard.

Heda Barnard

May 7, 1975 - February 23, 2026