Book of Memories for Dorothy Barker

Story shared: Pre School

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:12:11 EDT

Mrs Barker was my preschool teacher for two years, I looked forward to going to school everyday cause i knew I would be able to see her. She helped me out a lot especailly with my vision Issues. She will be greatly missed

Story shared: College Roommates

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:18:09 EDT

I met Dorothy when we were freshmen at Houghton College. We were housemates and immediately became fast friends. There was a hazing of sorts conducted by the upperclassmen and it was during one of those events that Gary met Dorth and he was smitten. They soon became a couple. We had lots of good times and memories during that year. The next year we did become roommates and in Nov 1963 JFK was killed. Televisions were in short supply at the college and Dorth and I went to her home in Buffalo and spent the weekend watching the world event. I transferred to another school and we kept in touch for a few years but eventually life took us in different directions. Last Fall I was traveling in Michigan and went by Coldwater and wondered if she still lived there. When I got home I did a search and found her. We reconnected and caught up on all that had happened over the years. We got together in early December and had a fun weekend in Shippshwana, IN and traveled up to Coldwater where I was able to see Gary and meet Danice and her family. With the new year I moved to NC and we chatted here and there. She was looking forward to the Alaska cruise and celebrating their anniversary. Last week after I got out of a meeting, I checked my phone and her name was on the caller id and I was happy she had called. I then listened to the voicemail and it was Gary telling me about the accident. I am glad that we reconnected and shared that fun weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with Gary and the family. She was well loved and I will miss her.

Condolence From Mark, Angie, Brice, Patrick, AnnaMarie, Erika, & Keegan Kelly

Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:16:39 EDT

Uncle Gary, Danice, Kevin & Tracy, and families: We continue to hold your family up in prayer during these difficult moments. We love you and will continue to pray for you all. May Aunt Dorothy rest in the sweet peace of the presence of Jesus until the day of her glorious resurrection.

Condolence From Edward and Jeannette Parshall

Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:15:03 EDT

Dear Gary and Family: Thinking of all of you.

Condolence From Pastor Rick and Sharron Hudgens

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 17:28:46 EDT

Gary, Kevin, Tracy and Danice, please know of our thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time. Words cannot express our deep sorrow for you. One of the great things about following the Lord Jesus Christ is the fact that He is always with us…every hour and every day. He knows our struggles and sorrows. The Bible gives us many encouraging verses that are often of great comfort when we are grieving some kind of sorrow or loss in our lives. We pray these favorite verses will bring the comfort of the Holy Spirit to you: Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; she enters into peace; they rest tin their beds who walk in their uprightness. 1Corinthians 15:55-57 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 1Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. We remember with fondness our time of service and ministry at Sturgis Wesleyan Church years ago. Gary, we remember you and Dorothy for your kind words and support to us in our ministry.

Condolence From Carl Cecil

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:48:47 EDT

Gary, Danice, Kevin and Tracy, I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing! So many memories of our years together. I thank God for our HOPE the continues beyond the grave and for her faith not just spoken, but lived before us. As Dorothy received her reward, I pray for you and your families that God will strengthen and comfort you today and in the days ahead! Carl Cecil

Condolence From Penny Ernsberger-St. Cyr

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:31:51 EDT

Gary, Kevin, Tracy, Danice, I send along my deepest sympathy with a heavy heart knowing the grief you must be experiencing. Growing up in the Coldwater Wesleyan Church, I have many fond memories of Dorothy and her love for me and each of us ‘youngsters’ that she taught. I have tears as I type this and remember what an important role model she was to me as I grew up in the church. She passes along a deep legacy of coaching each of us to know and love our Lord. Dorothy’s spirit will live on in each of us and it is now our job to be the coach for Christ. Because of the lessons she taught us, I know that she is now celebrating in her new home, Heaven. Many thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Yours in Christ, Penny Ernsberger-St. Cyr

Condolence From Lois (Yunker) Holtz

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:19:08 EDT

Our sincere prayers to Gary, the kids and grandkids! Like your parents/in-laws before you, all have all had a profound influence for the Lord! May you feel His presence in your time of grief!

Condolence From Sue Rhodes

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:00:34 EDT

My heart goes out to Gary, Danice, Kevin and Tracy. I always loved your mom and your family. When I was growing up your family was very much a part of my church family at the Coldwater Wesleyan Church. I always remember your mom's smile and her love for Jesus. I love you all and my prayers are with you. She now has her reward in heaven. Sue Rhodes

Condolence From Nola Baker

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 06:31:07 EDT

I was shocked to hear of Mrs. Barker's sudden passing. My husband and I feel that our two youngest children were blessed to have her as a preschool teacher. She truly enjoyed all of the children that she taught. I know that she would see students around Coldwater years later and remember their names and events from class. Mrs. Barker was a lovely lady that will be missed by many. My prayers to Mr. Barker and the family.

Condolence From Rita and Steve Zerbe

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 20:51:31 EDT

Gary and family, Steve and I are saddened that Dorothy went to her heavenly home so soon, but we know in our hearts that she lived her life for that destination. There was never a doubt who Dorothy loved with all her heart. I always had good memories of her and her love for others and life and her honesty........ Gary, praying for comfort and peace to come so strong as Jesus holds you in his arms and provides all that you need loosing your best friend. God promises us to never leave us and at this time, may that be as real as it has ever been in your life. Praying...love, Steve and Rita Zerbe

Condolence From Bud and Jane Freed

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 18:23:00 EDT

To Gary and his children, We are shocked to know that Dorothy went to be with the Lord so early on in her life. She is a beautiful lady who had the spiritual gift of "helps". She helped anyone who asked her. She was the "behind the scenes" type of person. We don't remember her as someone who liked to be up in front or the center of attention. God used her here on earth and we have fond memories of her and your family. Though we haven't seen her in many years, we will miss her. You are in our prayers as you struggle to find your way through this loss. This is the best of times to draw closer to Christ who is your only hope. We mourn your loss, but are thrilled for Dorothy and her new life. God Bless you all.

Condolence From Sue & James Brooks

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:34:13 EDT

So shocked to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful woman and teacher. Dorothy was my sons teacher for pre school at His Spot for Tots and was a tremendous help to us both. God Bless all of her family and our prayers are with you. Thinking of you Sue & James Brooks

Photo shared: Barker_obit_photo.jpg

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 15:35:57 EDT

Condolence From Sarah and Jim Thayer

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:55:53 EDT

We are so sorry this trafic accident has happened. Our thought and prayers are with all of you. Dorothy was a special lady and will be missed by many.

Condolence From Danad goeen Horn

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:18:29 EDT

Mrs Barker was the best preschool teacher! She always had a way to make us laugh and was patient when I was unable to understand something! I fun memory of her was when I was about 5 i was crawling around in the play are in the class room and my head got stuck in one of the holes the other kids were crawling out of! She and Mrs Howard had to pull and tug to get me free! I am gonna miss her s much she was a fantastic woman and she will be dearly missed!

Condolence From Cheryl Stevens

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:05:18 EDT

So very sorry to hear of Mrs. Barker's tragic and untimely passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Barker, Tracy, Danice, Kevin and their families. I will always fondly remember Mrs. Barker up in the bleachers during our basketball games at Legg and CHS cheering on our team! RIP.