Patricia Ann Barker Wallace

Patricia Ann Barker Wallace

Patricia Ann Barker Wallace, age 72, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo. She was born July 4, 1952, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Earl Barker and Velma Mealman Barker. Patricia grew up in Prescott, Kan., and received her early education at the Prescott Grade School. She later went on to graduate from the Prairie View Grade School in Lacygne in 1958. In 1976, Patricia became a client with Tri-Valley Development Center. She kept busy in the workshop and enjoyed the companionship of the other clients and staff. She was active with the Open Hand Friends program at Tri-Valley and enjoyed taking group trips to Branson, Wichita, Topeka and other destinations. Patricia had a reputation for being hardworking, trustworthy and friendly. While working at Tri-Valley, Patricia fell in love with Archie Wallace, another Tri-Valley client. Patricia and Archie were married on July 4, 2000, in Fort Scott. Thanks to services provided by Tri-Valley, they were able to live privately for most of their 24 years of marriage. Patricia loved watching the Kansas City Royals and KU Jayhawk Basketball. She also enjoyed cross stitch where her work received several awards at Tri-Valley exhibitions. Patricia attended Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene. She will be remembered for her happy personality with her ever-present smile.

Survivors include her husband, Archie, two sisters, Barbara Wicks of Nevada, Mo., and Betty Jo Gardner, of Hutchinson, Kan., and a brother, James Barker, also of Hutchinson. Also surviving are an aunt, Norene Mealman and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Velma Barker and her feline children, Tiger and Snowball.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Center and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.