Patricia Kay “Patty” Barker

October 26, 1950 – May 27, 2025

Patricia Kay “Patty” Barker, 74, Sheridan, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. Born October 26, 1950, in Lebanon, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Donald Dale and Dorotha Louzena (Pearson) Alexander.

After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1968, Patty continued her education at Indiana Business College. Though she and her high school sweetheart Floyd were contemplating a walk down the aisle, Patty’s father had made it known that he would like to see her finish college first, so she took accelerated coursework and was able to complete her certification program on November 7, 1968. A year later, Floyd and Patty were married, and for the next 54 years, they made a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Patty was a lifetime member of the Hills Baptist Church, where she began attending when she was just 10 days old. On September 24, 1961, at the age of 10, she was Baptized, becoming a member of the church. She remained a very active member of the congregation until she passed into the Glory of Her Creator and Savior.

Shortly after completing her certification at IBC, Patty went to work for Bobbs – Merrill Publishing. Her primary focus was proofreading college and legal manuscripts before they went to publication. After 18 years with the company, she decided on a career change. Patty loved to read, and what better place is there for a reader to work (other than a publishing company) than a library? So … Patty went to work for the Sheridan Public Library. She quickly found the truth in the old saying that “if you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life.” She loved being a librarian; she was able to share her love of reading with patrons both young and old. She enjoyed visiting with everyone who came by the front desk, and never tired of watching young readers fall in love with the library and reading. Her job was just too enjoyable to be called “work.” She even found her way to the library on her days off – there were always things to do – and before you know it, had worked most of the day before somebody would realize it was her day off. After 26 years of dedicated service to the Sheridan community, Patty retired from the library in 2024. There is something very special about public libraries, especially those that serve small towns, and people like Patty are what make them so special.

When Patty wasn’t working or reading, she also enjoyed watching sports on TV, both college and professional (though she always had to ask what color jersey she was supposed to be rooting for). She also loved anything having to do with Elvis. There is no word to accurately describe her how big a fan she was of Elvis Presley. Movies, records, live TV specials, it didn’t matter, if Elvis was a part of it, she loved it. Perhaps her favorite moment as an Elvis superfan came in 1977, when she, along with some very special people, attended his concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis on June 26. Nobody knew it at the time, but that was to be his last concert.

Her favorite activity though, was anything having to do with family. She loved being a part of Troy and Leslie’s activities while they were growing up. When it was time to start following the grandkids’ adventures, there was nobody more excited. Devoted to her grandchildren, she loved playing cards and games with them, and it always seemed like the laughter never stopped when they were hanging out with grandma (and grandpa too). She loved sharing her kitchen traditions with anyone and everyone. From her persimmon pudding and zucchini bread, to her legendary brownie bombs, when Patty was carrying a pan of something, it was going to be good (and gone pretty fast), so you should probably start with dessert and work your way backwards.

Patty is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Floyd H. Barker. She and Floyd were married on November 2, 1969. Also surviving are son, Troy Alan Barker (Jennifer) of Butler, Ind.; daughter, Leslie Lynn Barker of Sheridan; two grandchildren, Kaeden Barker, who is serving as a missionary in the Dominican Republic, and Quinn Farnham (Sam), at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; sister-in-law, Judy Jurisic (Jeff); nieces, Kim Jones (Shane), and Amy Cochran (Barry); nephew, Kent Findlay; and her Pearson cousins (who always felt more like a sisters to Patty), Linda Cummings, Sandra Fulwider, and Karen Ross.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Dale and Dorotha Louzena (Pearson) Alexander; stepmother, Nondas Jane (Robinson) Alexander; sister-in-law, Jane (Barker) Waggoner; and by her infant brother, Curtis Dale Alexander.

A celebration of Patty’s life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hills Baptist Church, 4296 S. 1380 East, Kirklin, IN 46050, with visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor Sherry Drury will be officiating.

Patty will be laid to rest at a later date, at Hills Cemetery, located next to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to, Hills Baptist Church c/o Carrie Boyer, 2312 S. 1000 East , Kirklin, IN 46050; the Theta Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority c/o Cathy Good, 36 Homestead Drive, Sheridan, IN 46069; or to the Friends of the Sheridan Public Library, 103 W. 1st St., Sheridan, IN 46069.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com