Dorothy Emma Barks

Dorothy Emma Barks, 81, of Poplar Bluff passed away Friday, April 03, 2015, at The Manor, after a courageous fight with lung cancer.

Ms. Barks was born February 23, 1934 in Dike, Iowa, to John C. and Clara Rathman Schmidt. She was baptized after birth and confirmed on December 16, 1945 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Reinbeck, IA.

She graduated from Dike High School in 1951 and graduated from Waterloo Cosmetology College. On December 14, 1952, she married James O. Barks, in Waterloo, IA.

Ms. Barks was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, the Joy Club, and Zion Quilters. She retired as Poplar Bluff Municipal Court Clerk, and volunteered at Black River Medical Center at the reception desk. She enjoyed playing pinochle, doing crossword puzzles, watching Mizzou football and, Cardinal baseball games, which she never missed.

She is survived by her three children: Kirk Barks (Marilyn), of Millersville, MO, Kendal Barks (Debi), and Debbie Winters (Tom), all of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren: Christopher Barks, of Delaware, OH, Kyle West, of Ballwin, MO, and Cameron West, of Clayton, MO; two step-grandchildren: Tiffany Barker (Lindle), of Poplar Bluff and Jeremy West, of DuQuoin, IL; and four step- great grandchildren: Brantly James, Landon Barker, Jack West, and Ben West.

Her parents, a brother, Fritz Rathman, and two sisters: Ruth Stover and LaVonne Nicholson preceded her in death.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, until time of Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Justin Sponaugle will officiate.

Donations may be made in her honor to UCAN, 1899 N. Westwood, PMB#172, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.