Helen Muriel Barker

Helen Muriel Barker of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Jaffrey and New Ipswich, NH, died peacefully at the Arizona Golden Heart Group Home on February 12, 2023. The day before, she had celebrated her 86^th birthday with her daughter Cynthia and her son Clinton Jr.

She was born on February 11, 1937, oldest daughter to Earl and Muade Nisser of Victoria, TX. She spent a lot of her time at the family farm helping out her parents in Yoakum, Texas.

In the 50’s, she met Clinton Barker who was serving in the US Air Force and stationed at Lackland Air Force Base located in San Antonio, Texas. They were married on December 23, 1956, in Victoria, Texas. After her husband finished his service in the US Air Force, they moved to Connecticut where her husband began working for Pratt and Whitney. After a few years, they decided they wanted to be closer to family and relocated to Jaffrey, NH where they raised their family. Helen was involved with the church, teaching Sunday school, as well as being a Deaconess and a member of the Triple D. She was also proudly active in the Eastern Star.

Helen and her husband started working for Atlas Fireworks at which time was owned by Fritz LaFreniere. After the business was sold, Helen and her husband went to work at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough, NH.

As the family grew up, they decided to move to New Ipswich, NH. Her husband Clinton, passed away in October of 2007, and Helen decided to stay in their home for a few more years where she was actively involved with the Congregational Church in New Ipswich where she helped out for many years with their Children’s Fair.

The winters began getting much harder for her and her son, so they decided to relocate to Peoria, Arizona in 2011 to be with her daughter Cynthia.

As in staying true to herself, Helen devoted her time with the Marantha Baptist Church where she was active for the next 11 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her sister Bessy and her husband Sony Hunt both of Texas, as well as her great nephew Michael Smith of NH, and her stepfather Rip Ryppple of TX.

Helen is survived by her sisters, Mary Alice Hammet and Rebecca Rypple, both of Texas, Her Children David Barker of NH, Cynthia Payne of AZ, and Clinton Barker JR. of AZ, her Great-Nieces Brandy of TX, and Shannon of NC, Great-Nephews Michael Smith and Mark McLeroy of NH, Nephews Randy and Ronnie of TX, Ted and Tim Smith of ID, and Niece Renee Hammett of TX. Granddaughter Bethany Barker Walsh of CT, and Grandson Ethan Smith of VT, Great-Grandson Hunter Walsh of CT, a Sister-in-law Weltha Barker of NH, as well as many close friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Helen on June 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM in Conant Cemetery, located on Stratton Road, in Jaffrey, NH.