Ruth Marie (Mendy) Barker, 49

Ruth Marie (Mendy) Barker was born July 24, 1976, in Kellogg, Idaho. She tragically passed away April 10, 2026, in Mullan, Idaho.

Ruth was raised by her mother, Theresa Mendy, surrounded by the love of a large extended family. Later in life, Ruth became an honorary daughter to Penny and James Derbyshire of Kellogg.

Ruth found the love of her life, Roger Barker, at a young age. They were married in the summer of 1999 and soon started a family. Their daughters were Ruth’s greatest joy, and she was incredibly proud of the women she and Roger raised. She loved her daughters with a strength and fierceness rivaled by none. Her capacity for love grew alongside her family as grandbabies made their way into the world. She and Roger were blessed with the arrival of Mia Pascua, and Adalynn, Jackson and Kaitlynn Scharer. Ruth absolutely loved being a "Nana."

An artist at heart, Ruth loved to paint and craft. She always had an idea brewing for a new project, and she especially enjoyed painting rocks to leave in random places, hoping the finder would feel a bit of joy. Her career always centered on caregiving; she was constantly finding ways to help those in need. She also enjoyed playing darts with friends (and was quite the player!). She would chat, laugh and joke while they played, sharing her sweet and funny nature with everyone she met.

"Ruthie" was one of a kind — a special soul who found the silver lining in every cloud and brought sunshine to our lives. We will miss her always and pray she has found peace.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Roger Barker; their daughters, Ashley Barker, Heather Barker and Kristen (Tyler) Scharer; and her grandchildren, Mia Pascua, Adalynn, Jackson and Kaitlynn Scharer, all of The Silver Valley. She is also survived by her sisters, Genie (Gary) Seymour and Lenora Houser, both of Bend, Ore.; Tina (Lou) Street of Irrigon, Ore.; Karen (Dean) Johansen of Mesa, Ariz.; Christine Montero of Eugene, Ore.; and Diana (Sean) Boyl of Kuna, Idaho; her brother, Daniel (Ruby) Black of Smelterville; and her honorary sisters, Jennifer (Arthur) Drobny and Sarah (James) Simmons, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Amber Barker; mother Theresa Mendy; father Garnet Black; brothers Tim, Kim and Larry Black; and honorary father James Derbyshire.

Services will be announced by the family at a later date.

Memories of Ruth and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Barker family.