Obituary

Martha Barker Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home - Dayton on Dec. 4, 2023.
BARKER, Martha Walker "Pat" -age 89 of Centerville passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Pat was born in Akron, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 28,1934, a birthday she shared with both her younger sister and her mother. A beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and mentor to many, she was cherished by all who knew her. She lived a life marked by an unwavering commitment to family and others. Her heart and home were always open, and she devoted her life to nurturing and guiding not just her children and their families, but also many others who were fortunate enough to cross her path.
Pat graduated from Kenmore High School in Akron, and married her high school sweetheart, Jack, in 1952. They remained sweethearts until his death in 2021.
Pat's professional career included work for the B.F Goodrich Corporation, Silent Unity, becoming a licensed Unity teacher and ultimately being ordained as a Unity minister. She spent most of her career with New Thought Unity Center in Cincinnati, serving as co-minister with Jack. During her tenure as minister, she was elected by her peers to serve as President of the Association of Unity Churches. Pat continued to serve even after retiring by acting as the interim minister at Unity of Dayton, and continuing to help and counsel others. Despite Pat's busy career, she always found time for her family, creating unforgettable memories and traditions that will be cherished forever. She also found time to teach yoga, author two books and be a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.
Pat leaves behind a loving family - her two children, Ken (Jacqueline) Barker and Amy Barker (Dominic Backowski). She had five grandchildren, Jeremy Barker, Jessica (Jonathan) Stanley, Camden Backowski, Allayna Backowski, and Jamie Franchini (deceased); as well as five great-grandchildren, Aidan and Peyton Barker and Jackson, Elijah and Evelyn Stanley. She is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Martha Cox, sister of the late Barbara (the late Don) Leuchtag, Richard (Linda) Cox, the late Bryan (the late Connie) Cox, and Gordon (Susan) Cox. She also leaves a community that will miss her warmth, wisdom and compassion. She may have left this world, but her spirit and love will forever be a guiding light in our lives.
A service will be held at 2PM on March 28, 2024, followed by a Remembrance Gathering at 3PM, both at David's Cemetery in Kettering, Ohio.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, YWCA of Dayton, Daybreak, or the charity of your choice.
Pat's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the amazing healthcare workers at Bethany Village, Woodview, for their amazing care, compassion and support.
Services and great care have been entrusted to Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home - 1632 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45410.
Condolences, fond memories & photos may be shared at www.DaytonFunerals.com