Barbara June (Reith) Crystal, the wife of the late Judge G.L. Crystal, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025.

She was born in rural Perry County, Illinois, the daughter of Oren J. and Dorethy Eunice Reith. She attended schools in Northern and Southern Illinois. Graduating in 1949 from Pinckneyville High School. That same year she moved to Kansas City where she worked for several companies. After her marriage in 1953 to G.L. Crystal, she continued working while he attended law school.

In 1956 their first daughter Laurel was born in Windor, Missouri. In 1958 their second daughter Dana came along. The family moved to Lee’s Summit where the girls attended school while “Cris” was employed in Kansas City. In yet another move, they went to Princeton, Missouri where “Cris” was appointed to the circuit bench in Mercer County serving for 17 years.

Barbara and G.L. retired in Lee’s Summit, Missouri at John Knox Village in 1999. Barbara was an amazing mom and wife, always providing for her family. She will be truly missed by her girls.

A celebration of life will be held at Longview Funeral Home, located at 12700 SE Raytown Road in Kansas City, on Friday, June 6, 2025, with visitation at 1 p.m. followed by memorial at 2 p.m.