Lena Marie Barkman, 100, died March 23, 2021, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson. She was born Oct. 19, 1920, in Bixby, OK, to Jess Clinton and Alma Pearl (Cassidy) DeFriese.
Lena graduated from Seminole High School, Seminole, OK, in 1938, and Tulsa Business College, in 1939.
On July 7, 1941, she married Claude Leonard Barkman, Sr., in San Antonio, TX. Lena and Claude moved to Hutchinson in 1954, and were partners in Barkman Brothers Auto Service and Repair. Claude died January 30, 1997.
Lena was a homemaker and member of First Baptist Church, Hutchinson, for over 60 years. With her guidance, the church library was established and is still enjoyed today by many; Lena was very conscientious, and took great pride in caring for the church library for over 30 years. In addition, she treasured being baptized in the River Jordan, and visiting Israel twice with her brother, Dick.
Lena is survived by sons, Claude Leonard Barkman, Jr. (Larryann), and Dennis Wayne Barkman (Linda); brother, Dick DeFriese (June); six grandchildren, Christina, Michelle, Ann, Melinda, Zach, and Rhett; seven great-grandchildren, Alexia, Devon, Kaleb, Victoria, Jonathan, Aron, and Georgia; and two great-great-grandchildren, Lena and Charliegh. Lena was adored by her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers; and one sister.
Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 29, 2021, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd., Hutchinson, with Chaplain Linda Ewert officiating. Friends may call from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Serenity Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.