Donna Maxine Barker, daughter of the late Bruce Edward Gant and Beulah Mae Maskill Gant was born on March 12, 1949, on the family farm in Dudley Missouri and departed this life on April 25, 2025, at Memory Lane Nursing Center in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 76 years old.

Ms. Barker lived most of her life in Dudley, specifically on the family farm. She was a 1967 graduate of Dexter High School. Following graduation, she began a 40-year career with the Missouri Department of Social Services as a social worker. 

On January 3, 1969, she was united in marriage to Richard Barker also of Dudley, Missouri. Mr. Barker preceded her in death on October 8, 2005.

During her life, she enjoyed the skills taught to her by her mother, such as canning, crochet, and needlework. Ms. Barker was an avid cook of southern staples and baker. Friends and family were always grateful for the gifts of her holiday cookies and candies. No one loved her cookies more than her grandchildren who enjoyed time in the kitchen with her throughout their childhood.

Ms. Barker is survived by her daughter, Janelle Barker Gibson of Webster Groves, Missouri, and two grandchildren Gant Hunter Gibson and Mary Genevieve Gibson also of Webster Groves, Missouri. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Arvella (Tracy) Gant of Dexter Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce Edward and Beulah Mae Gant, her husband Richard Barker, her sister Sylvia Gay Gant, her sister Mary Elaine Gant Wagner and her brother Richard Dennis Gant.

Graveside services will be held at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, Missouri, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with the arrangements.

In honor of Donna Barker or the Gant family, please consider a donation to the Stoddard County Children's Home, PO Box 164, Dexter MO  63841.