Marla Sue Barker

Marla Sue Barker, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by the family and friends she loved so dearly.

Marla was born September 23, 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas to Marlin and Elta Kerby. She grew up in Bonner Springs where she graduated from Bonner Springs High School in the class of 1972. After graduation she moved to Topeka and attended Washburn University, where she graduated with a BBA in Business in 1976. While at Washburn she was a member of the women’s tennis team, softball team, and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. After graduation she remained an active alumni with Zeta serving as house corp advisor for many years.

In 1978 while working at Payless Shoe Source Marla met Kirby Barker who was working at one of the shoe stores. They wed in 1979 and built a life together in Topeka for the next 47 years. Marla continued to work for Payless Shoe Source and Parade of Shoes until 2004 when she began a new career path at Stormont Vail Health, where she managed the gift shop until her retirement in 2017. She was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, attending congregations in both Bonner Springs and Topeka. Her Sunday School class held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the friendships she made there, considering them part of her family.

Marla had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved. She was generous with her time, attention, and affection. It was nearly impossible to spend time with her without feeling like you were the most important person in the world. Though she lived with the challenges of having lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and being dependent on oxygen for many years, she remained as active as possible, making a point to visit family and friends and staying connected to the people who mattered most to her.

In recent years, Marla especially enjoyed her “show and tell” sessions in her room. These were opportunities to see pictures from family events and travels, hear stories about someone’s day, and admire any new “goodies” someone had picked up. She delighted in the lives of the people around her and always wanted to see, hear, and share in their experiences.

Her grandchildren will always remember the simple moments that became some of their most treasured memories: reading books with Grandma, shopping for new shoes, family dinners, vacations, and, most of all, the laughter, hugs, and love that surrounded their time together. This summer brought Marla particular joy when she was able to meet and cuddle her newest great-nieces. She proudly showed their pictures to anyone who would look, sharing her happiness with all who came through her door.

Marla is survived by her beloved husband, Kirby; daughter Christina; son Sean Phillips and his wife, Becky; grandchildren Dom Phillips and his wife, Franny, Zachary, Lauren, and Luke Phillips; sisters Janet Vitt and her husband, Joe, Carol Zumbrum and her husband, Keith, and Jo Kerby; brothers Kris Kerby and his wife, Teresa, and Jim Kerby and his wife, Teri; sister-in-law Jeanette Weigel and her husband Bob; her grand-dog Kinley; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Barker; her parents, Marlin and Elta Kerby; her grandmother, Bertha "Morey" Henry; her parents-in-law, Wes and Dollie Barker; her brother-in-law Kent Barker; and her nephew, Jacob Kuckelman.

Marla leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and the ability to make every person in her life feel seen and cherished. Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but they will carry her love with them in all the years to come.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. both at First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS. A lunch will be served after the funeral nearby at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Marla’s honor to The Lam Foundation at thelamfoundation.org/donate and/or First Christian Church Youth.