Mereko Barker, 92, of Hutchinson, passed away May 30, 2021, at her home. She was born January 10, 1929, in Tokyo, Japan, to Dinbae and Eku Horiguchi.
Mereko graduated from high school in Tokyo in 1947. Following high school, she worked as a clerk at Camp Zama, Yokohama, Japan, a U.S. Army Base which was a logistics and staging area for troops on their way to fight in Korea. There she met Sgt. Fred Allen Barker, who was recovering from wounds sustained in battle. They were married on August 5, 1954, at the base.
Mereko and Fred settled in the Hutchinson area, where Mereko worked for a time at Wesley Towers, as a Matron at the Reno County Jail, and then at Lowen Corporation, where she made signs for over 20 years. She attended Walnut and Campbell Church of Christ.
Mereko was completely dedicated to her family and loved to cook. She also loved country music, old westerns, nature, and especially German Shepherd dogs.
Mereko is survived by: her children, Terry Barker (Penny) of Hutchinson, Dian Barker (Ralph Ganeles) of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Kali and Madyson Ganeles, Ian Mosher (Jihye), Shylah Boyle (Jeff); 5 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Fred, who died November 30, 2001; daughter, Marilyn; and beloved pets, Bo and Cheetah.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Sterling Community Cemetery, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hutchinson Animal Shelter, Storm Creek Horse Co. Farm and Rescue, or Greenwood Stables and Equine Rescue, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.