Marty Barker

M artha 'Marty' Barker, age 85, formerly of North Platte, peacefully passed away April 30, 2021, in Omaha.

Martha was born January 17, 1936, in David City to Bernard and Wilhelmina Van Ampting. Martha and her siblings were raised in the Catholic church and worked hard on the family farm.

She married Leonard Barker and they moved to Grand Island where their kids were born. Soon after, the Barker family moved to North Platte and she devoted herself to being the best mother!! She loved and adored her children, Brenda, Lennie and Randy.

For 25+ years, Marty worked at Ramada Inn. She instilled a very strong work ethic within her children and, as Marty worked extremely hard, she provided the best life for her family. She was very committed to her Catholic faith, her church (St. Patrick's) and raised her children in the Catholic schools.

Marty was a very good cook who shared her love of cooking with others...as her grandchildren can attest to. Being Grandma meant the world to Marty! She loved coloring, reading, and watching cartoons and Jeopardy with her grandkids as well as making her prized vanilla malts for them.

Marty is survived by her children, Brenda Punteney, of Omaha, Leonard (Lennie) Barker, of Bellevue and Randy (Nikki) Barker, of North Platte; grandsons, Ty (Erika), Barker, Jace Barker, and Treyce Barker; granddaughter, Jernie Barker; her brother, Al Van Ampting, of St. Joe, MO; sister, Wilma Ottis, of Norfolk; and many nieces and nephews that she loved so much.

She was proceeded in death by her grandson, TJ Barker; her parents, Bernard and Wilhelmina Van Ampting; brother, Joe Van Ampting; her twin, Mary Van Ampting; and sister, Josephine Drueppel, all of whom she loved and touched deeply.

Please join the family in celebrating Marty's life at noon on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Inurnment will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.