Rhoda Ayers Barker

Rhoda Ayers Barker December 13, 1913 - February 10, 2015 Rhoda is a woman remembered for 101 years of life, energy and caring for family and friends! She was born and raised in the Ayers/Faulkner pioneer farming family in Santa Paula, California. Rhoda was the third of four children, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Loren and Raymond Ayers, and sister, Stella Powell. She attended Ventura Junior College and Redlands University, graduating with a degree in English. Rhoda followed her grandmother and mother as a college degreed woman, a tradition followed by her daughters, grandaughter, and soon her great grandaughter. Rhoda met and married Neal D. Barker in Santa Paula, California in 1936. Throughout their 58 years together they lived in San Fernando, Stockton and finally settled in Lindsay, California, where Neal was in the orange packing business. Following Neal's passing in 1994, Rhoda became the first resident of Sierra Village in Visalia CA in 1998. She lived there happily among friends until her death. Community was a priority for Rhoda and Neal as exhibited in their involvement with the Lindsay Methodist Church, as Orange Blossom Festival honored couple, founders of Lindsay Ono Sister City program, scouting, Heifer project and environmental groups. They also enjoyed traveling at home and abroad. Rhoda was active in PEO, AAUW, the Lindsay Garden Club, and a supporter of education and arts. She was an avid reader, traveler, bridge player, gardener and even a Dodger fan! Rhoda created a welcome, warm and loving home for which she will always be appreciated and remembered. Rhoda's daughters Stella Hearn of Palo Alto CA, Nancy Houghton of Tracy CA, Patricia Smith and "son" Dr. Barry Smith of Visalia CA are thankful for her long and healthy life and the love, support and friendship of so many. Our special thanks go to Dr. James Foxe, Elvia Flores, Khea Damolo and Kaweah Delta Hospice. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Mark and Gregory Hearn, Yvonne (Hearn) Robinson, David, Michael and Patrick Houghton, Aaron Smith and Megan (Smith) Parma, and her great grandchildren: Kai and Taj Houghton, Max, Henry and Brooke (Whaley) Houghton, Seth and Veronica Houghton, and Madison, Brooklyn, Dominic and Kennedy Parma, as well as nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a student scholarship in her name established with the Visalia Education Foundation, 5000 W. Cypress Ave, Visalia, 93277 or your favorite charity . A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at The First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust, Visalia CA. Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, Visalia is honored to be serving the Barker Family