Mary F. Barker

Mary Ferguson Barker, 91IN LOVING MEMORYDec. 20,1918 ~ May 29, 2010Mary Ferguson Barker, 91, daughter of Lynn A. and Alice T. (Layton) Ferguson, passed away peacefully May 29, 2010 surrounded by her family. Mary was born December 20, 1918 in Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Grand Rapids Central High in 1936 and from University of Michigan in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. It was there that she met Pierce Barker Jr. in a stalled elevator and later married him in Ferguson Hospital ballroom in Grand Rapids, MI on June 20, 1942. Mary and Pierce Jr. danced their way through their college years, later settling in Grosse Pointe, MI. Mary taught third grade in both Grand Rapids and Grosse Pointe. In 1947 Pierce Jr. was transferred to Rockford by Vickers, Inc. and Mary soon followed as Pierce Jr. continued to handcraft their family home. Mary and Pierce Jr. saw Rockford as a wonderful place to raise a family and committed themselves to the enhancement of the community. With personal vigor and great confidence in the area, Mary and Pierce Jr. founded Barker Rockford Company in 1956. The company continues operations today and expanded with its subsidiary Dove Equipment in Peoria. As a devoted mother, Mary recognized the need for a neighborhood school in which to educate her children. Accordingly, Mary and Pierce Jr. became the driving force behind Marsh School in 1951. Mary took the lead with The Mothers' Study Group and later, as her children grew and their educational needs changed, she and Pierce Jr. encouraged the development and launching of Guilford High School. Mary worked with many school groups, as well as the Rockford Woman's Club, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, University of Michigan Alumni, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.As members of Ostende Club, Mary and Pierce continued their passion for ballroom dancing and were acknowledged as fabulous dancers throughout their membership in Forest Hills Country Club. Mary also loved tending her garden, reading, traveling, playing the slots, hosting parties, playing bells in the Bickford Bell Choir, and especially spending time with her family at their Lake Michigan beach house. In 1985, Mary became known throughout Rockford as "The Supersonic Grandmother". She loved to fly and was the first person to sign up for the Concorde Flight from Rockford to London. The newspaper is still on display at the security gate on the second floor of the Chicago/Rockford airport! Mary enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life. Mary will celebrate her 68th wedding anniversary ~ June 20, 2010 ~ with Pierce Jr. who passed away May 9, 2008. Mary is survived by her children: Anne (Bill Everett Jr.) Barker-Adams of Tampa, FL; Pierce (Rise) Barker III of Cherry Valley; Susan (Jim) Barker-Palmeno of Rockford; Lynn (Steven) Barker-Stutsman of Cherry Valley; and Mary (John) Barker-Kohlmeier of Lake Bluff; 15 grandchildren including: David Loos, Dana Pepe, Wendy Barker, Angie Barker, Josh and Jordan Wehrle, Michael and Gabriel Chavez, Chris, Matthew, and Kari Stutsman, Cassie Stutsman-Reed, Mike, Tom, and John Wright; and many great-grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her parents. Those fortunate enough to have known Mary understood her kind heart, gracious manner, and her sensitive dedication to her family. Funeral service will