Alberta Mary Barker

Alberta Mary Barker passed away June 10, 2014.  For the past six years, she had been living at Epworth Villa, cared for by loving staff devoted to her well being.   Alberta was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 3, 1919 and soon moved with her family to Southern California.  She grew up in San Bernadino County and Long Beach.    As a young woman, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked in the aircraft industry and as a hat and fashion model.   For a time she was married to Eddie G. Kessler, former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  They had a daughter, Denise.  She went on to marry Harrison Barker, a career air force officer.  With her husband and two daughters, she lived in South Carolina, Northern California, Tokyo, Japan, and Alexandria, Virginia.  Upon her husband’s retirement, the family settled in Bethany, Oklahoma.  Harrison Barker preceded her in death in January 2008.   During their 57 years of marriage, Alberta and Harry greatly enjoyed traveling. Some of the highlights included Harry’s four year tour of duty in Japan, Alberta’s trip to Europe with daughter Denise, and a trip with daughter Diane to Barcelona where Denise and Chris were living. Alberta and Harry enjoyed some grand adventures in Florida when they owned a 30-foot trawler, the Aquarius. With a group of fellow salts they cruised the inter coastal waterway visiting Useppa Island, Clearwater, the Everglades, Key West, Miami, and many other ports. After selling the Aquarius they continued to winter in St. Petersburg with their dear group of friends until 2006.   Harry and Alberta kept up a lively correspondence with their many friends. A favorite Christmas ritual was reading and displaying the wonderful cards and letters from across the country. She was a fine painter and a passionate bridge player.  She had a great time with many friends including fellow members of Grace United Methodist Church. Alberta was a devoted mother, wife, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed, but those who knew her are blessed with a legacy of beauty, acceptance, and humor.   She is survived by daughters Denise C. Osborne (Chris C.), Raytown, MO; and Diane Barker (Chris Ross) of Manhattan, KS, and Stillwater, OK.   In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Boys Town, Nebraska. A memorial service for Alberta will be Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 at 2:00 pm held at the Epworth Villa Chapel (14901 N. Pennsylvania Ave. OKC, OK 73134). To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alberta Mary Barker please visit our Sympathy Store.