Our beloved mother and grandmother, Kay Barker passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 6, 2018 in Kalispell at the age of 79. Kay loved her family and was grateful for her children and grandchildren. She was a gentle, kind, and sweet lady.
She will be remembered as someone who loved the Lord and went about doing good by serving others. Kathleen Fay Burtsfield was born 1938 in Kalispell, Montana to loving parents, William Henry Burtsfield and Henrietta Marie Robinson. Kay recalled her childhood with happiness, growing up in Whitefish near the lake where she loved canoeing and swimming.
In her teenage years Kay’s love of swimming led her to become a summer life guard. She also loved the Girl Scouts and enjoyed many years of association. Kay had a great love of music.
During her high school years she performed in the marching band and played the Alto Saxophone. And most recently she returned to performing in the local New Horizons Band. Playing in the band brought her great enjoyment.
Kay played a variety of instruments including the piano, auto harp, ukulele, and accordion. She also used her musical talents in her church service as a chorister and pianist. She served for over 25 years teaching the young children about Jesus with music and song.
She always carried music in her heart. Kay had many creative talents as an accomplished seamstress, avid quilter, and talented puppeteer. Kay enjoyed blessing people’s lives by sharing her talents.
In 1961 Kay married Fred Barker in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. They were blessed with 4 children. Kay quickly realized that she was not only married to the farmer but to his farm as well!
Kay worked side by side with Fred for many years on their farm in Bigfork. Leaving behind her city life for the country life where she became an excellent cook, wife to Fred, and mother to not only her children but many sows and baby piglets. Needless to say she was not an indoor farmer’s wife!
When her children were mostly grown, Kay returned to the work force. She enjoyed her work with the WIC and Home Health Programs, and later at the Sportsman & Ski Haus making many valued friendships throughout her career. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Fred and is survived by her daughter Julia Barker; son Byron and his wife, Lonni and children, Holland, Greer, Reese and Kean; son Craig and his wife, Melissa and children, Zach (Sarah), Kyle and Brandon; daughter Korrine Howard and children, Addison and Cessaley.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents and bothers, Roger and Robert, and is survived by her brother Ralph Burtsfield and her sister Linda Burton, and husband Jim. We find great comfort in knowing of her joyous reunion with family members preceding her in death. As her children we would like to express our gratitude to our Aunt Linda who has always been a loving sister, and a remarkable care giver to our Mother during this past year.
We would also like to thank our Uncle Ralph for his daily visits, and all of her friends and loved ones who brightened her last days with their visits. We are also grateful for all those who lovingly cared for her while at the Brendon House. She loved life and remained happy and optimistic to the end.
An open house will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service. 3408 US Hwy 2 East, Kalispell, MT. Graveside dedication will be held at Noon Saturday June 16, 2018 at Fairview Cemetery, Columbia Falls, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1380 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell, Montana.
A reception will follow the funeral at the church. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Kay’s family.
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