Kathryn "Kay" L. Barker

Kathryn L. (Kay) Barker July 25, 1921 to December 1, 2017. Kay was born in Boise, Idaho and given up for adoption by her mother of four (2 boys, 2 girls) who lost her husband from the black plague. Kay lived in a Salvation Army Home until she was adopted at six months old. She was a single child of her adoptive parents Austin and Eula Stonebraker of Milwaukie, OR. She graduated from Milwaukie Union High School. Kay married William (Bill) Barker, who preceded her in death (1996). They had 2 children, Michael Barker, St. George, UT (8 grandchildren living in Portland and Utah) & Barbara Hartz (husband Ron), Philomath OR. After Bill’s death, Kay was able to find and connect with her biological family. She has one remaining half-sister, Gladys Rivers who is 104 and lives in Dallas OR plus many other relatives she has gotten to know. Kay was an amazing lady. She worked for Tektronix in its infancy then worked in the ship yards & was dubbed Rosy the Riveter. She was capable of any task…..a true DIY gal. After taking time off to parent her kids, Kay returned to Tektronix until her retirement when she and Bill moved to Philomath OR to be near their daughter. Kay was an avid reader, an ardent gardener, an outstanding cook. She entertained herself & others playing piano (especially honky tonk) & organ. She gifted her knitted & crocheted creations to family, friends & groups. Kay loved to travel whether it was to Hawaii, Tahiti, Germany, China, Portugal, Spain or throughout the USA. She always gained from each experience and eagerly shared that wisdom with all around her. Kay lived in Philomath until August 1, 2017 when she moved to Joanna’s Foster Home (555 SE Park Street) in Corvallis where Chris Beauchamp, Jean Braaten, and Pam Weygandt cared for her like family. Lumina Hospice Care gave support during Kay’s last 2 weeks with us. Kay passed in comfort with her daughter by her side. Kay was a surrogate mother to many & friend to all. Her humor, energy, & heart will be missed. McHenry Funeral Home handled arrangements and, at Kay’s request, there will be no service. Any donations in her name should be to Joanna’s Foster Home, Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care, or Salvation Army. Or do something special for someone needing help at this time of year.

Tributes

Kathryn "Kay" L. Barker

December 12, 2017 - December 12, 2017