Wanda S. Barker was born May 27, 1938 in Anthony, Kansas, the first daughter born to James and Grace Marie (Haltom) Roark. Wanda grew up in Anthony, graduating from Anthony High School in 1956.

On May 29, 1956, Wanda was united in marriage with Johnny R. Barker in Cherokee, Oklahoma. This union was blessed with four children: Leslie, John, Steve and Donald.

Wanda and Johnny made their home in Attica, Kansas. They purchased the Attica Locker and ran it for 42 years before retiring in 1998. Johnny passed away in 2000. In 2003, Wanda moved back to Anthony where she became the director of Friendship Meals, a job which she took pride in. She later became the office manager at High Grade Sand Pit in Harper, before fully retiring.

Wanda was a very intelligent women and a hard worker. She taught herself many office and accounting procedures, making her ownership and management skills very valuable.

Wanda's family was her life. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, always there for everyone anytime they needed her. In her eyes she was a mother to many more than just her four children. She was known far and wide for her cooking and her family will always cherish all the memories of Sunday evening dinners. She was an avid KU fan and loved watching ballgames. She served on the Attica Library Board and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

On January 2, 2017, Wanda made her home at the Anthony Community Care Center, where her family grew to include all the staff and residents. She was also a favorite patient at the Harper Hospital. She truly brought joy to everyone with her quick wit and great sense of humor.

On March 16, 2019, Wanda passed away at the Harper Hospital at the age of 80 years, 8 months and 17 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny; daughter, Leslie; and son, Steve.

Wanda will be deeply missed by her sons: John and partner, Earl Nelan, and Don; sister, Donna Ball and husband, Don; daughter-in-law, Suni; grandchildren: Sarah Marko and husband, George, Colby Barker and wife, Yuki, and Raven Young; great-grandchildren: Grant, AikLyne, AirLyne and Steven; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the Faith Baptist Church in Attica, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Attica Cemetery.

Registry will be held 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Anthony Community Care Center and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.