The death of Mrs. Theron Barker came as a great surprise to the community when the news came that she had passed away at an early hour Monday morning after only a few hours of illness. Mr. and Mrs. Barker had spend Sunday in the country at the home of Mrs. M. Barker, the former's mother, and had returned to their home in Corning about seven o'clock. Mr. Barker came up from the basement with some wood to kindle the kitchen fire preparatory to getting the evening lunch when his wife collapsed without a moments warning in the kitchen. With the help of a neighbor and the physician, Mrs. Barker was gotten on the bed and arrangements had been made to secure a nurse in case her condition seemed serious. She seemed to be sleeping quietly with Mr. Barker watching at her bedside until about 3:00 a.m. when a decided change was noticed and she passed away before the physician arrived. Funeral services were held from the Boyd Roland Funeral Home, Wednesday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Overhulser, assisted by Rev. L. W. Verts. Six young men, five nephews and a cousin acted as pall bearers. These were James and Kenneth Barker, Harold, Otho, and Marvin Barker, and Arther Palmer. Interment was made in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Mary Ellen Litton, daughter of Mary and William Litton was born November 18, 1877 in Malvern, Iowa and moved from there to Pawnee City, Nebraska, where she grew to womanhood. While there she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, at which place she reattained her membership until her death. she moved to a farm west of Corning and was married to Theron Barker on February 18, 1903. After their marriage they resided on their farm west of Corning until January 25, 1934, when they moved to Corning, where she passed away suddenly without a struggle, March 12, 1934, at the age of 67 years, 3 months, 24 days. Ella, as she was familiarly known was a very lovable wife and neighbor. She and her devoted husband had just reached the place in their lives where they hoped to be able to be free to enjoy some happy times in their new home in Corning, when the end came. She leaves to mourn, her husband, Theron Barker; a brother, Guy Litton of Powell, Wyoming; three cousin, Mrs. Tella Gubmen, Mrs. Alpha McKernen, and William McGinnis; and a host of friends and neighbors who will miss her familiar and much loved personality.
Adams County Free Press, March 15, 1934, page 16