Viola Fae (Work) Barker

Viola Fae Barker

Viola Fae Barker, 86, died Monday (Oct. 12, 2009) at Asbury Park in Newton. She was born on May 26, 1923, in Newton, the daughter of Edna (Johnson) and Robert Work. They preceded her in death. On Nov. 2, 1947, she married Morris D. Barker in Wichita. He died on May 3, 1988. Viola was a member of First United Methodist Church of Newton. She played the organ and the piano and was a lifelong choir member. Viola was active in the Deborah Circle at the church. During World War II, Viola was employed by Beech Aircraft and, upon moving to Newton, she worked at the Harvey County Courthouse. Viola retired in 1976 from Cargill Industries, where she had been a secretary.

Some of Viola's hobbies included sewing, reading and embroidery work. She also had a stationary bike she used frequently, riding more than 12,000 miles. Viola volunteered time with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and RSVP of Newton.

Her survivors include son, Kendall (Carol) Barker of Newton; two daughters, Becky (Glen) Davis and Penny Barker, both of Newton; sister, Neva Belle (Rodney) Banion of Wichita; two grandchildren, Benjamin (Cassandra) Davis of Goessel and Kacy Barker of Lawrence; three great-grandchildren, Makayla, Gunnar and Braxton; and sister-in-law, Jean Work of El Dorado.

She also was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Dale Work.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, with the family greeting friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Hesston City Cemetery in Hesston.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.

Friends may sign the guestbook online at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.