BONNIE J. BARKER

1925 - 2016

Bonnie J. Barker, 91, Leawood, Kan., passed away June 30, 2016, at her home at Sunrise of Leawood. She was born in Odessa, Mo., on April 12, 1925, the daughter of Joe C. and Bessie L. (McDowell) Ludlam. Bonnie graduated in the Odessa High School class of 1943. She married Russell L. Barker, Jr. on Aug. 15, 1943, but was widowed on Dec. 5, 1943 when Russell's plane went missing while serving in the Air Corps during WWII. Bonnie remarried on Sept. 20, 1947, to Russell's brother, Bronson A. Barker who became the love of her life. They shared 59.5 years together until B.A.'s death on March 7, 2007. Bonnie began her career at the Gas Service Co. after moving to KCMO. She and B.A. moved to Raytown, Mo., in 1953. She returned to the work force as a nurse's aide at Pittman Middle School in the Raytown School District, retiring in 1988. Bonnie was a member of the Raytown Christian Church for over 65 years, where she served as a deaconess and was a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship group, Four Seasons, and the Adam and Eve Sunday School class. She volunteered for many of her children's activities and also in the community. Bonnie and B.A. enjoyed traveling immensely. Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, always sharing her beautiful smile. She resided in the Raytown area until November 2015. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bill Rice of Lee's Summit, Mo.; grandchildren, Rachelle (Kyle) Thorson, Jason Barker, and Sara (Chandra) Salem; great granddaughters, Lilly Thorson and Mira Salem; and many nieces and nephews. Bonnie is also survived by her very special friend, Florence Roseberry. Her parents, her son, Michael W. Barker, and her brothers, preceded her in death. Funeral service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Raytown Christian Church. Visitation 1-2 p.m. Burial will follow in the Odessa Cemetery at Odessa, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Raytown Christian Church, Sunrise Good Samaritan Trust Fund, or Crossroads Hospice in Lenexa, Kan. A special thank you to all of the extraordinary people and friends who loved and cared for her at Sunrise of Leawood and Crossroads Hospice. Arr.: Langsford Funeral Home, Lee's Summit, (816) 524-3700.