Marjorie "Marj" E. Barker, 96, formerly of Orangeville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Manor Court of Liberty Village in Freeport, IL.  She was born on January 17, 1929 in Oneco Township, rural Winslow, to Leland and Ruth (Bennehoff) Kilian.  She attended Mt. Pleasant Grade School #7 and graduated from Winslow High School, Class of 1946.  Marjorie married her life-mate, Donald L. Barker, on November 23, 1946 at the Winslow Methodist Church. They were married for over 65 years. Marj and Don farmed together in the Orangeville area all of their lives, until retirement brought them "into town" in 1995.

Marj enjoyed TV game shows, reading, and card games, but she especially loved baking and finding new recipes. Providing hospitality was her gift. Marj was a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church, the Orangeville United Methodist Women (UMW), and the Isabel Chapter #322 of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 70 years. In 2017, Marj became the proud holder of the Silver Spoon Award, bestowed upon her as the oldest woman born in Oneco Township and still living there her entire life.

Marj is survived by her three children: Larilyn (Greg) Carpenter of Waukesha WI, Donald Jr. (Bonnie) of Monroe WI, and Creighton (Judy) Barker of Orangeville; Grandchildren, Heath Barker (Monroe), Kristin (Noah) Totzke of  Waukesha WI, Phil (Rachel) Barker of Orangeville, Ross (Danielle) Barker of Jacksonville, IL, and Judy Gaus of Milwaukee; Step-grandchildren: Josh (Carrie) Ickes of Paw Paw IL, Rebekah (Mark) Kennay of Paw Paw,  and Erin (Tim) Brower of Paw Paw. She is further survived by great grandchildren: Tyler, Vaughn and Haden Barker, Naomi Jacobsen, Josie Barker, Amelia and Wyatt Barker, as well as step-great grandchildren: Jesse and Parker Marsh, Dawson and Addison Brooks, Lilliane Brower, and Raegan Ickes.  A brother-in-law Al (Barbara) Goodman of Lake Bluff IL also survives her.

Marj was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2012, sisters Helen Goodman, Carol Dickerson, and Patricia Miller, and an infant brother Kieth Kilian.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Orangeville United Methodist Church on Friday, January 24, 2025, with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 AM.

Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Oneco Township, Winslow IL near her childhood home.

Pastor Roger Bronkema will officiate.

A luncheon at the church will follow the services.

A memorial fund has been established in her memory.