ESTHER BARKER

Esther Kathleen Rohner Barker, age 90, of Wheaton, IL, passed on to her heavenly reward on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Esther was born on May 17, 1928, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Lester Rohner and Svea Andersson Rohner.

Esther graduated from Taft High School in Chicago and then attended Huntington College in Indiana, where she met the love of her life, Clayton "Bark" Barker, in the university chorus. They were married on August 8, 1948, and enjoyed over 67 years together until Bark's death in 2016.

Esther was a devoted mother and homemaker who enjoyed traveling and family camping. In 1959, she and Bark, along with Robert and Juanita Day, developed Holly Cove Campground in Jackson County, North Carolina, which they operated until 1982. In 1972, she earned an Associates Degree in Library Science and worked in the library at Wheaton Central High School until 1982.

In 1982, Esther and Bark went to Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C., serving with the mission SEND International for seven years. While in Taiwan, she was librarian at Morrison Academy and taught English as a second language to Chinese students, in addition to overseeing the building and furnishing of a mission guest house.

Esther and Bark bought a home on Moses Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina, and later built a house in nearby Cullowhee next door to their daughter, Gayle. It was in their home that Alliance Bible Church of Sylva, now Mission Community Church, was formed. In 2013, Esther and Bark moved to Windsor Park in Carol Stream, where Esther served as library coordinator.

While at Windsor Park, Esther was instrumental in leading fellow residents to tutor Brazilian English language learners. Through this endeavor, Esther and Bark traveled to Brazil in 2013 and 2014 when they were age 86 and 90, respectively. While there, they met students (that) Esther had tutored over the internet.

Of all Esther's admirable qualities, the most outstanding was her love of Jesus Christ and commitment to His Church. Her faith was deep and abiding, and she was widely known for her passion for Bible teaching, prayer life, and harmony singing.

Esther is survived by her sister, Grace Evans of Englewood, Colorado; son, Garry (Mitzi) of Eugene, Oregon, daughter, Gayle (Phil) of Dillsboro, North Carolina, son Gregg (Renee) of Wheaton, Illinois, 9 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

A service in celebration of Esther's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6 at College Church in Wheaton with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the College Church in Wheaton Missions Fund.