Dorothy Lou Kirk

On April 5th, 2025, Dorothy Kirk, affectionately known as Dot or Dottie to those around her, passed away peacefully. She was born on April 4th, 1937, in Springfield, Ohio. She was preceded in death by Evelyn and Wilbur Merriman and her sister Shirley.

Dorothy grew up in Springfield Ohio, graduating from Springfield High in 1955. She worked from 1953-1955 selling women’s clothing-where if you knew her, you knew the entire paycheck often went back to the store! After graduating she married Don Barker and moved to Arizona and together they had 3 beautiful children. After separating from Don she moved to California where she worked as a telephone operator and a legal secretary until 1961. From 1962-1967 she worked for NASA at Edwards Air Force Base as a purchasing agent, financial clerk, PBX operator, and a file manager for F-104 aircraft. She was most proud of her work with NASA. During this time she met and married Charles(Chuck) Kirk. They remained together until his passing in 2013.

Dorothy retired from Valley Electric in Stockton California in 1988. She then watched her grandkids along with a few other children and most the neighborhood kids, her house was always full. This was a happy time of her life!

Dorothy was a passionate woman who loved many things, such as dancing, shopping, golfing, bowling and playing games with her friends and family. She was very competitive and not happy if she wasn’t winning! Its that fiery spirit that made her so treasured. She adored the “Wizard of Oz” and could often be found singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. She had a lovely voice and made it a point to call her loved ones to sing “Happy Birthday” for them. She especially loved Christmas and would set up extraordinary Christmas Village displays.

Later in life she reignited her love for God and was baptized at North Summit Church. While she had many passions, her greatest love was her family. Dorothy was survived by eldest son Donald Barker Jr., her daughter Donna Carter; and her youngest, Douglas Barker, 4 grandkids; K.C. Carter, Sarah Carter, Derika Barker, and Riley Barker; she had 3 great-grandkids; Tyler, Alaina, and Kieran, with the fourth, Calum on the way. She will be laid to rest in the family cemetery, She called many places home having lived in Ohio, Arizona, California, and Idaho but her heart and soul always belonged to Ohio.

Because of her inability to take care of herself, she spent the last 2 years at Abundant Life Home. We would like to thank Mark and Sheila Huber for their loving and kind care. There will be a “Memories of Mom” party at 2:00pm on June 14th, 3282 E. County Line Rd, Urbana, Ohio. We will be serving her favorite food, tacos and Jimmy Deans just to name a few! We will also be playing yard games and just having fun. That’s what she would have wanted. Please bring pictures and any other memories you would like to share.