God's special servant, Verna Evelyn Barker, 80, of Edgemont, SD passed away August 18, 2017 at Custer Community Hospital, in the company of her family.

She was born August 14, 1937 near Leroy, Saskatchewan, Canada to Herman and Dora (Hanson) Konrath. Her family moved back to their home near Ardmore, SD where Verna attended school in Ardmore, Igloo, and later graduated from Assumption Academy in Chadron, Nebraska in 1955.

On March 8, 1957, Verna married Kenneth V. Barker in Chadron, where the first of six children were born. The growing family made their home at various ranches around the Nebraska panhandle before moving to Edgemont in 1961 where Kenneth worked at the local uranium mill. They also worked for a local rancher, Roy Hudson. Thru hard work and perseverance, the family eventually bought the ranch, which became the foundation for starting a construction business, Barker Concrete and Construction, and buying an elevator, Rancher's Feed and Supply. All of these businesses have allowed the family to work together for over 40 years, now extending into the third generation and forth generations.

Verna taught and lead her children and extended family by example. That is, we are put on this earth to serve others, and that we should use our unique God-given gifts to their fullest potential. She had a strong faith, believed in hard work, and honesty in every measure and respect of others, reserving special effort for those who are most in need. Her spirit was embodied in one of her favorite sayings, "Everything is a gift—sometimes we just have to look for it."

It was a common occurrence to have at least one or more extra settings at the supper table, or "extras" living with the family. Verna and Kenneth were active members of St. James parish in Edgemont, where Verna was a member of the Alter Society. She was also a volunteer EMT for the Edgemont Ambulance Service, the creator of the flower beds along Edgemont's Main Street, an avid gardener, ranch and business partner--- and "surrogate" mother for countless kids.

Verna especially enjoyed large family gatherings to celebrate holidays and special events. She recently celebrated her 80th birthday at a similar large family gathering, which she especially cherished. She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Dora Konrath, all five siblings, Harold Konrath, Elaine Rice, Wilfred Konrath, Gordon Konrath and Donna Lowe, and grandson, Cody Barker. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, children Ken (Krista) of Belle Fourche, Kelvin (Cassie Nelson) of Edgemont, Kurt (Laura) of Newcastle, Wy, Kris (Christy) of San Antonio, Texas, Cheryl of Rapid City, SD, Kerry (Stephanie) of Edgemont, Tim (Kathy) Hanson of Edgemont, twenty grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins to whom she was especially fond.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017, St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont. A Vigil and Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m., followed by Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, August 23, at 10:00 AM, both at St James Catholic Church in Edgemont. The burial service at Edgemont Cemetery will be followed by a luncheon at St. James Parish Hall. A Memorial is established to assist in funding the new Hospice Care Suite to be constructed in the new Custer Regional Hospital, in honor of the Doctors and Staff who cared for Verna in her challenges with cancer and in service of those in the future who will use it.