Catherine Barker

Catherine Frances Smith Barker of Middleton, Wisconsin, died on Monday, December 22, 2014, at the age of 89.

Cathy was born on a farm in Waukee, Iowa, in 1925, to Anna and Carl Smith and was the middle child of 5 children. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1946 with a major in dietetics, taking one year out at the age of 19 to teach school. She married Miles Barker in September, 1946, and then worked as a receptionist for Doane Agriculture until Miles graduated.

In 1947 they moved to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Cathy became involved in the community and joined AAUW, the YMCA in Port Edwards, P.E.O., and the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ. In addition, she was an active member of PTA as well as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. If that wasn't enough, she also sewed and knitted clothing for herself, her children and their dolls, too. She and Miles gave wonderful parties and made lifelong friends in the Rapids.

A new business venture brought the family to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1965, where Cathy continued her P.E.O. involvement and eventually became state president in 1990. She also became a Legacy member of Attic Angel Association and served on the committee that selected the land where Attic Angel Place is now located. She loved singing in the Attic Angel Choir, and she had a beautiful voice. She was also a deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Her lifelong interest in dietetics culminated in 1980 with her writing a book, "The Centerfold Diet Plan," a clever and sensible approach to healthy eating and weight loss. In the 1980s she was hired by Stretch and Sew to teach sewing classes. She was also an excellent bridge player and belonged to several bridge groups. Book clubs were very important to her as well, and she participated in many throughout her adult life. She was Vice President of 4 Lakes Driver Training School for 43 years before becoming President upon the death of Miles.

A thoughtful, smart, and caring person, Cathy was always optimistic and compassionate. She had a wonderful and happy life, and she will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Miles. She is survived by her four children, Lynn Barker Severson, Shelley Barker (Larry) Shea, Richard (Barbara) Barker, and John (Janice) Barker, two sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Lyle) Smith and Vivian (Verle) Smith, nine grandchildren, Kristi (Doug) Howe, Erik (Cynthia) Severson, Miles Shea, Anna Shea, Jenna Barker, Lauren Barker, Lee (Aurora) Barker, AJ Barker, and Ross Barker, and two great grandchildren, Kira and Keaton Howe.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 a.m., reception following, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wisconsin. Interment will take place in the summer at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Memorial donations may be made to Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772, www.cottey.edu/ or Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53705, www.covenantmadison.org/ . Condolences to the family may be sent c/o Cress Funeral Services, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705, or please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434