Myrtle Marie Barker

Myrtle Marie Barker, 82, of Arkansas City, died Sunday (August 9, 2009) at the Riverview Manor of Oxford. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday (August 13, 2009) at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery of Winfield. Myrtle was born October 3, 1926 in Winfield to Harvey Forrest and Mary Helen (Carlton) Porter. She was reared and educated in Winfield. She married Alfred Leon Barker on October 28, 1954 in Pawnee, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Arkansas City from 1954 to 1972; Newton from 1972 until 94 when Alfred preceded her in death. She returned to Arkansas City where she lived with her daughter until moving to the Riverview Manor in 2005. Myrtle worked at Boeing during WWII, Kress Five and Dime for several years; for Pamona tile for two years, the Dillon's Store in Arkansas City from 1956 until 1969. In 1969, Myrtle owned and operated a Merle Norman Cosmetic Store in Arkansas City. Upon moving to Newton Myrtle returned to work for Dillon's until her retirement in 1989. Myrtle was member of the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church and more recently Blessing Heights Church of God. She was a member of the Zeta-Zeta Sorority. She was a longtime avid Jayhawk's fan and Kansas City Chief's fan. Survivors include a daughter Theo and her husband Charlie Cox of Arkansas City; two sons Marshall and his wife Linda Kendrick of Newton, Forrest and his wife Vickie Kendrick of Arkansas City; two step-sons Mike and Arland Barker of Arkansas City; brothers Don and wife Marla Porter, Phil and wife Deb Porter, Ken and wife Kendra Porter; sisters Sandy and husband Ron Berwert, Andrea and husband Bobby Sheperd all of Winfield; Helen Ann and husband Don Dickerson of Arkansas City, Dorothy Placette of Rosenburg, Texas, Carol Runnels of Newton, Juanita and husband Dale Gottlob of Conifer, Colorado, Norma Hayden of Seattle, Washington; two sisters-in-law Cleta Porter and Carman Porter; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Agnes Winslow, and two brothers Tom and Leonard Porter. A memorial has been established with the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.