Florence Elaine Barker

Florence Elaine Barker, 95, of Pierre, formerly of Vivian and Bradenton, Fla.,, passed away December 16, 2015 at Avera-Maryhouse Nursing Care Facility.  

Florence was born May 10, 1920 in Spencer, Iowa. Raised by her grandmother, Ann Hendricks, she grew up in Sioux Falls. She graduated from Washington High School (which was just four blocks from her home) in May of 1938.  After graduation she moved to Toledo, Ohio, and worked at the Dohler Factory, which supplied automobile parts to the auto factories in Detroit, Mich., and other locations throughout the United States. Florence married Charles Marea who also worked in the same factory. They worked the night shift together having just a half of a block to travel to work from their home. Charles passed away on December 25, 1956.  Florence continued to work at the factory and helped care for her grandmother six months of the year as she spent the other six months in South Dakota.

In March of 1975, Florence married her co-worker, Gene Barker.  They moved to Bradenton, Fla., where several of their friends had relocated. These were fun years for them both as they enjoyed golf, playing cards, and traveling.  They traveled to Portugal, took some cruises, attended the Rose Bowl and visited family and friends around the United States.  Gene passed away in Florida from complications of replaced heart valves in 1990.  She continued to live in Bradenton until her stroke in 2002 when she came to live with her daughter in Vivian.  She quickly took to farm life and was always happy to go with her grandson to either look at the cattle or ride along to pick up machinery parts in Pierre. During this time, she got to know her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by attending all of the holiday and school activities. In June 2007 Florence moved to Avera-Maryhouse. The friendly staff was very good to her.  She enjoyed all the activities and made lots of new friends. Through the years she loved to crochet blankets for family members and friends.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Colleen Booth; grandchildren, Kim (Dave) Jensen, Connie (Jeff) Hutchison, Kenny (Stacey) Booth, and Kelli (Jeff) Portman; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Charles Marea and Gene Barker; and one great granddaughter.

Servicees were Monday, December 21, 2015 at Avera-Maryhouse Chapel in Pierre. Interment followed at Vivian Cemetery, Vivian.

Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.feigum fh.com