Shirley A. Barker

Shirley A. Barker, 76, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Shirley was born September 18, 1948, in Fond du Lac, daughter of Norman and Mary Lou (Ross) Rost. She married Philip Thomas Barker on May 21, 1976, in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on February 4, 2018. Shirley worked for over twenty years as an L.P.N. She started her career at a hospital and nursing home in West Allis. It was at the nursing home that she met Phil. Shirley then took a position with St. Agnes Hospital and Nursing Home in Fond du Lac and eventually worked at Columbia County Nursing Home in Wyocena, WI. When Shirley and Phil moved back to Merrill, she worked in the produce department at Dave’s County Market.

Shirley enjoyed crafting: crocheting, cross stitch, plastic canvas, needle point, and latch hook rugs were her favorites. She was a great cook and baker. Her specialties were meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, lasagna, and chili. Shirley enjoyed coffee and could drink it all day. She also enjoyed going to rummage sales and supporting her grandchildren at their sporting events.

Survivors include her children, Christopher (Pam) Barker of New Lisbon, Harold Barker of Pardeeville, Shawn (Barb) Barker of Portage, and Thomas (Meghan) Barker of Merrill; nine grandchildren, Kristan (Steve) Roth, Katie (Matthew) Schield, Kristina (Ubama) Ewolo, Buddy (Maddie Wiarek) Barker, Dalton Barker, Kenzie Barker, Shawn P. Barker, Olivia Barker, and Madee Barker; nine great grandchildren, Easton, Anderson, Emalynn, Boden, Cecily, Ethan, Nevaeh, Aryeanna, and King; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley is further survived by her great friend, Penny, who would check in with Shirley and make sure she was okay.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Thomas Barker; father, Norman Rost; mother and step-father, Mary Lou and Harold Mehler; and in-laws, Bill and Elsie Barker.

The funeral service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill. Rev. David Szeto will officiate. The burial will take place in St. Francis Xavier Veterans Memorial, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Merrill Silver ‘M’ Club.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com