Ruth T. Barker, born in Topeka on July 18, 1935, passed away February 21, 2023 at Hospice House in Hutchinson. She was the third daughter of Dr. Floyd and Florence (Fink) Taggart.
Ruth grew up in Topeka, graduated from Topeka High School in 1953 and went on to attend Kansas University in 1957 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. In the summer of 1956 Ruth traveled to Europe and Morocco with KU as part of a USO show called the “Jayhawker Jamboree” entertaining 26,000 military men and women. While at KU Ruth was also a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
In 1957 Ruth married P.K. Worley. Together they had two children, Brenda and Tag Worley. They resided in Ottawa for seven years before moving back to Topeka in 1964. Ruth taught physical education at Washburn University from 1964 to 1977. The Worley marriage ended in 1977, and Ruth moved to Wichita where she was employed with Southwestern Bell. In 1981 she returned to Topeka to become director of Health and Safety services for the American Red Cross.
In the summer of 1983, Ruth met Bob W. Barker, and they were married on December 28, 1983. Bob and Ruth purchased Leech Products Inc. in Hutchinson in 1983, operating it until 2017. Together Ruth and Bob survived the 1991 tornado that devastated their Willowbrook home and community. Bob and Ruth enjoyed traveling together in their RV, going on boat cruises, and a highpoint being a safari in Africa with Topeka Zoo director Gary Clark. Their unique travel experiences ended with a trip to the Holy Land.
Ruth was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, singing in the Chancel Choir and serving on the Board of Trustees. She was Pi Beta Phi alumni, 60-year member of P.E.O. Chapter EP in Topeka and P.E.O. Chapter CM in Hutchinson. Ruth served on the Hutchinson Town Club, Symphony, and Zoo boards. In addition, she volunteered for the American Red Cross, Willowbrook Council, Kansas Children’s Service League, Kansas Native Sons and Daughters, and P.E.O. Home Board, Sunflower Grants. In her spare time, she enjoyed golf, tennis, and became a watercolor artist later in life.
Ruth is survived by her husband of almost 40 years, Bob W. Barker of Hutchinson; sons, Paul “Tag” Worley (Alann) of Parker, CO and Brice W. Barker (Carol) of Hutchinson; daughter, Dana M. Tilley, Detroit, MI; sisters, Nancy Simpson of Denver, CO and Mary Holderman of Hutchinson; son-in-law, Jim Billings, Denver, CO; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Brenda Worley Billings; son-in-law, Jim Tilley; brothers-in-law, Dr. Wallace Holderman and Dr. Ken Simpson; great-granddaughter, Addy Rae Barker; and former husband, P.K. Worley.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2023 at Trinity United Methodist Church 1602 N. Main Street, Hutchinson, with the Reverends Michael Tomson-DeGreeff and Kim Biery officiating. Private family inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday March 2 at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ruth Barker Memorial Fund at Hutchinson Community Foundation or Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.