Ellen Amelia Barker

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we remember a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Ellen Barker passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

Ellen was known for being social, outgoing, and friendly—someone who truly never met a stranger. She valued conversation, connection, and staying in touch with the people in her life. One of her greatest joys was her family, and she took special pride in knowing and keeping track of each generation as it grew. It mattered greatly to her that she was the proud mother of four children: Clayton (Terri), Roxann (Frank Pedrick), Kimberly (Don Clausen), and Shawn (Thomas Phillips). She had sixteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She lovingly kept track of each one for as long as memory allowed, carrying them all in her heart. Ellen also cherished her many nieces and nephews, holding each close and maintaining meaningful relationships with them throughout her life.

Ellen was born on July 1, 1942, raised in Chadron, Nebraska. She attended Chadron Prep and later made her home in Crawford, where she spent most of her adult life.
Ellen greatly enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, going to yard sales, and studying genealogy—an interest that perfectly reflected her love of family and it's history. She also loved traveling and especially treasured family vacations, where her joy for togetherness and storytelling was clear. During her working years, she held a variety of jobs, including work as a model, an OB nurse, a waitress, and a medical aide.

On May 22, 1963, Ellen married the love of her life, Clayton Barker—whom she affectionately referred to as Junior—and together they shared a lifetime of companionship and love. She is survived by her loving husband.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, one sister, and three grandchildren.

Her legacy lives on through the generations she so carefully counted, the relationships she built, and her social nature. She will be remembered for her faith and her love of people.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on December 23, 2025, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Crawford, Nebraska.