Mary Elizabeth Barger

Our Mother, Mary Elizabeth Barger (nee Sizemore) went to be with her Lord on June 27, 2015 at the age of 91in Naples, Florida. She was born November 22, 1923 in Thousand Sticks, Kentucky, and grew up on the family farm near Hyden, KY. Mom was a direct descendant of Chief Red Bird of the Cherokee Nation and her great grandmother was Cherokee. Her husband of 71 years, Colonel Donald G. Barger Sr. (US Army Ret), preceded her in death by two years. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will gather to celebrate her life at the time of her burial in Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Mom Barger set an excellent example in her Christian faith, her generosity, and her selflessness to family and friends. Growing up Mom's guidance was always even-handed. None of us recall her ever raising her voice or really being angry with us. Mom would always "light-up" whenever she interacted with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whether in person or on face time. There was always a kiss and a hug for all of her family right to the end. Mom and Dad were avid golfers, exposing us children to golf, but no family member was as competitive as our mom. She last played a few weeks prior to her death, driving the ball straight and generally two putting greens. Her competitive golf "career" spanned over 50 years, winning club tournaments in her younger days and being recognized in the local newspaper for the weekly outings at her golf club. She was particularly proud of her first "major" win at the Fort Clayton US Army base in the Panama Canal Zone in the late 1950's. Mom loved to garden, both flowers and vegetables. She traced her love for gardening to her childhood family farm days where they raised a lot of their own food. She was the 9th of 13 children born to William and Georgia Ann Sizemore. Mom and Dad are survived by their four children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all. Our sister and her husband, Gayle and Fried Martin, deserve recognition and thanks from all who love our Mom for their compassionate and selfless devotion in caring for her these last several years. For anyone wishing to make a donation, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mary Elizabeth Barger to the Alzheimer's Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail, N. Suite 21, Naples, Florida, 34102. The Barger Children and (Donald, Jr., Gayle, Greg, and David) and their spouses. A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015, from 2-5 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, Fairfax, Virginia. A funeral service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, with burial to follow.