16 February 2000

Betty B. Barker was born to Ferdinand Bates and Lelia Baker Kennerly Bates on Jan. 4, 1926, Shelbina, Mo., and passed away Feb 5,2000, at the Friend Manor in Friend at the age of 74 years, 1 month, 1 day. She was one of three children in the family.

Betty lived in Shelbina, Richmond and Lexington, Mo., Sundance, Wyo., Liberty, Mo., and moved to Exeter in, 1979. She entered the Friend Manor in 1991. She graduated from Liberty High School in Liberty, Mo., and attended St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed by Harzfeld’s Department Store in Kansas City, Bates Laundry and William Jewell College both in Liberty, MO.

Betty was married to George D. Barker Jr. on Dec.22, 1946, and to them one daughter, Julia Catherine was born.

Betty was happiest when helping. others. She taught Sunday School at the Second Baptist Church in Liberty for many years and was director of the Vacation Bible School several times. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Exeter United Church of Christ. She was past president of the Missouri Fire Fighters Association Auxiliary and served in. various capacities in local and regional fire fighter-related organizations.

Betty and George repaired and re furbished thousands of toys for the Blue Valley Community Action Christmas Closet until Betty's health prevented her from doing so. While at the Friend Manor, Betty's crafts brought happiness to many of the residents and staff.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdinand and Lelia; her step mother, Leona Ruth; and her sister, Mary Cecile Bates Garrett.

She is survived by her husband George of Exeter Community Care; her daughter and son-in-law, Julia and David Polak of Exeter; grand-daughters, Sarah Marie Polak of Aurora and Nancy Elizabeth Polak of Exeter and Atchhison, Kan. a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ferdinand (Jack) Bates, Jr. and Mary Kathryn Bates of Roselle, Ill., and five nieces.

Having donated her body to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for research and study, a memorial service was held at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter on Feb. 9, 2000 with Reverend Robert Brauninger officiating. Jeannine Krejci accompanied Amber Rassette who sang "In the Garden" and "On Eagle's Wings."

Interment will be at a later date.

Farmer Funeral Home was it charge of arrangements. MemorialS are directed to the family.

The family of Betty Barker extends their sincere thanks to all those who have expressed their sympathy in so many ways: Rev. Brauninger, Father Cooper, and Father Borowiak for their words of comfort and support the ladies of the UCC church for the lunch alter the service and all our friends for the food, flowers, cards and memorials. Such outpouring of warmth and support is indicative of the warmth and support Betty gave so freely to so many others. All of your kindnesses are deeply appreciated and will be remembered fondly.

GEORGE BARKER, JULIA AND DAVID POLAK, SARAH AND NANCY POLAK

JACK AND MARY KAY BATES AND FAMILY