Barker, Sharon Mardelle

Sharon Mardelle Barker - age: 81
(January 05, 1936 to July 14, 2017 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Born January 5, 1936 in Orchard, Nebraska. Sharon passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by friends and family, on July 14, 2017. She was 81.
Sharon was the daughter of the late Fredrick Casper Lieding and Mary Frances Boyle. Mr. Lieding moved his family to Napa, Ca., where Sharon met Wilburn Lee Barker. They married in 1954 and moved to Ukiah to raise a family and operate a business together (M&B Company). The couple would eventually divorce, but remain close friends and business partners until the time of Sharon’s passing. Sharon developed a career in accounting, working for numerous local businesses. Mendocino State Hospital, Millview Auto Wreckers, Ukiah Datsun/Nissan and Mendo-Lake Honda, where she would eventually retire. Sharon was a devoted member of Soroptimist International of Ukiah, where she served several terms as President. Sharon was passionate about providing outreach and assistance to young women in her community, and was a strong supporter of woman’s rights. Sharon devoted her life to the betterment of children. She instilled strong values and work ethics in them and provided them with the skills to become successful professionals, all while encouraging them to follow their dreams.
Sharon loved to work in her garden, paint and work with fabrics of all kinds. She especially loved making beautiful, personalized Christmas stockings for every new member of the family. She had a deep appreciation of the arts, music, and was a world traveler. She also greatly enjoyed playing Bunco with her close friends.
Sharon is preceded in death by her eldest son, Michael Lee Barker, her nephew, Robert Rhodes, and her younger sister, Marjorie Faye Lieding. She is survived by her sister, Lois (Lieding) Rhodes. Her son Matthew Fredrick Barker and his wife Laura (Barney) Barker. Her daughter, Terrie Spenst-Russel and her husband Donald Russel. She is grandmother to Brian Stafford, Steffanie (Barker) Amador, Katelyn Barker, Ryan Riva, Michael Barker, Garrett Baker, and Elizabeth (Barker) Goodwin. She is “Grape Granny” to Roman Amador, Marissa Amador and Eliana Amador. Also, Charlie Goodwin, Robbie Goodwin, Grayson Barker and William and Brynna Barker.
A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 6th, 2017, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the Mendocino Lake Clubhouse, 1500 Lake Mendocino Drive, Ukiah, Ca. The family prefers memorials be made to Soroptimist International of Ukiah.