Barb Pankonin

BARB PANKONIN, 66, of Ogallala, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, at her home south of Ogallala.
Barb was born on February 12, 1955, at Ogallala, Nebraska to Carl and Alma (Bryant) Schulz.
Barb was married to Charles Pankonin for a season of life, and the two were blessed with two daughters, Mandi and Ashley, and a son Zachary.
Barb was a kindred spirit and held a diversity of jobs over the years, from running a traveling animal attraction to dispatcher and chimney sweep. She had a wonderful sense of humor that often went unruffled. For a time, Barb sold candy and nuts and became affectionately known as “the nutty lady.” In recent years, she and her companion, Chris Leach, had trucked and worked on the oil pipeline together, where she eventually was made the safety coordinator. She loved and lived for her family and friends, she was “one of a kind.”
Barb’s life was too short. She never met a stranger! She lived life to the fullest! She had fun at everything she did, from dressing up her pet pug to writing-up Chris with a safety violation. If you ever called her she always left her humor on her voicemail. Her appreciation for life and laughter and the people in it was noticeable, especially to those lucky enough to call her “friend.”
She was preceded in death by her father, Carl.
Survivors include mother, Alma Schulz of Ogallala; brother, Dan (Joyce) Schulz of Brule; sister, Judy (Gene) Dickinson of Sidney; and brother Todd (Courtney) Schulz of Ogallala; daughters Mandi Pankonin and Ashley Pankonin; son Zachary (Matt Turner) Pankonin; friend & companion Chris Leach of Ogallala; friends Charlie & Sally Pankonin of Ogallala; grandchildren, Kyah (T Gorham) Jangulo; Naz Pankonin; great grandchildren Daudi & Dhakari; along with many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
A memorial has been established in Barb’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on May 28, 2022 at 1 pm at her home. No inurnment is planned at this time. 
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.