Obituary

Lydia E. Barkman, 102, died Thursday (Feb. 16, 2006) at Asbury Park Healthcare in Newton. She was born Dec. 27, 1903, at La Brechta, Canada to John K. and Maria (Goossen) Esau. The precede her in death. May 18, 1923 she married Jacob H. Barkman Hillsboro. He preceded her in death Jan. 7, 1966. She was a member of the Grace Church of God in Christ Mennonite in Halstead. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and painting and is remembered by many for her carpentry skills. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cherished time with her grandchildren. She also looked forward to cooking holiday meals for friends and family. She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Roberts and Ruby Barkman of Newton, five granddaughters, Nikki and Jim Besse of Valley Center, Cherie LaGree-Yoder and husband Orvale of Newton, Susan and Tom Smith of Wichita, Becky and Mike Jantz of Newton and Rachel and Armando Paz of Redmond, Wash.; a grandson William Barkman; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jacob Barkman Jr., two brothers, seven sisters and two granddaughters. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Grace Mennonite Church in Halstead with Marlin Unruh presiding. Burial will be at Halstead City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home. A family gathering will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established with Grace Mennonite Church in care of the funeral home.