Christine Denise Barker (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Christine “Christy” Denise Uder Barker, aged 51, passed away peacefully on April 9th, 2025. Christy was born in Lebanon, Missouri on May 7th, 1973, to beloved parents Earl Dean Uder and Sandy Jean Gehrke.
Christy spent her formative years in Lebanon, graduating from Lebanon High School in 1991. Some of her favorite memories as a child were going to Granny’s almost every Sunday after church to play with her close cousins. She had a very active and fun personality in her younger years, including involvement in Student Council, Yearbook Team, FBLA, Volleyball, and becoming friends with anyone everywhere she went. Christy carried with her a smile that would light up any room. She loved working in the travel agency business, winning several awards while working for Wyndham Resorts in Springfield, MO. Her youthfulness, kind spirit, and curiosity in her early years helped shape the role model and loving woman she became.
Christy married the love of her life, Michael Don Barker, on August 21st, 2004, in Lebanon, MO. The two settled in Buffalo, Missouri, where they began their life together and planted deep roots in the community. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Kaylee Shae Alma Barker, 16, and Kale Michael Don Barker, 19. Christy’s love for her family was unmatched—she was a devoted wife and a fiercely supportive mother.
In recent years, Christy found joy in being a “team mom” for the Lady Bison sports teams, always cheering from the stands and bringing healthy snacks and advice to all of her daughter’s friends she loved like her own. You could find her helping Kaylee with her homework or planning FBLA projects late into the night, and she delighted in Kale’s ever-changing list of animals and hobbies, encouraging him to explore and grow. She enjoyed movie nights with her family, reading her Bible, and preparing the meal or snacks for her next planned gathering. Her presence was constant, her support unwavering, and her love endless.
Christy was a devoted believer in Christ and an active member of Full Gospel Church in Buffalo, MO. Her faith guided her every step, and she was known for living with grace, humility, and compassion. Christy was a light in her church community—always encouraging others in their faith walk, always ready with a prayer or a hug, and always loving without judgment. She found great joy in worshiping with her family and poured her heart into living out the love of Jesus in her everyday life.
Christy faced her six-year battle with cancer with unshakable courage, grace, and faith. Through every treatment, every setback, and every victory, she remained strong for her family and a beacon of hope for others walking similar paths. Her strength inspired all who knew her. Though cancer may have marked her journey, it never defined her spirit. Christy fought with all her might until the Lord gently called her home, where she was surrounded by her loving friends and family.
Christy was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Howard and Juanita Uder, and maternal grandparents, Bill and Verna Semsch. She is survived by her husband, Michael Barker (47); her son, Kale Barker (19) and daughter Kaylee Barker (16); her father, Earl Uder (72) and mother, Sandy Gehrke (71); her sister, Kelly Winfrey (50) and husband Michael Winfrey, her brother, Kevin Uder (46) and wife Tiffany Uder; nieces and nephews: Alexis, Cheyenne, Gracie, Lyla, Kurtis, and Zoey, three great nephews: Coy, Colt, Cohen; with countless friends, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness.
Christy will be remembered not only for the life she lived but for the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in her family, her faith, and the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with LeAnn Martin officiating. Escorts will be Mike "Monk" Winfrey, Sham Duskin, Ross Tonti, Don Casteel, Frank Rodden, and Matt Pilant. Honorary escorts will be Kale Barker, Kurtis Uder, Cheyenne Luthy, and Kevin Uder. Interment will be in the Macedonia Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made for her children made payable to Michael Barker.
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