Mrs. Esther Levetta Barger 88, formerly of Harrisburg, IL now of Mesa, AZ passed away at 11:30 p.m. Monday December 28, 2009 at Banner Hospital in Mesa. She was born February 14, 1921 in Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois to the late John L. Simmons and Cora Elizabeth (Choate) Simmons. She was the wife of Carl Barger. They were married November 3, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri.
In addition to her husband of 69 years, Esther is survived by two daughters, Linda Schubert of Mesa and Brenda Ortiz of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Scott Radunz of Troy, IL., Joseph Ortiz of Tucson, AZ., Maria Ortiz of Cottonwood, AZ, Heather Lorenz Phelps of Fulton, MO, Chris Bolin of Harrisburg, IL. Great Grandchildren, Jordan Ortiz of Cottonwood, AZ, Motco'hoya Ortiz, of Cottonwood, AZ, and Dakota Manning of Galatia, IL. She is also survived by brother Elbert A. Simmons of Evansville, IN, Donald E. Simmons and wife (Muriel) of Eldorado, IL, Bonnie L. Bolin and husband (Everett) of Warrensburg, MO, Dennis L. Simmons and wife (Rama) of Mayview, MO, Paul E. Simmons and wife (Annabelle) of Odessa, MO, and Carolyn S. Seets and husband (DeWayne) of Fulton, MO.
She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Holly Manning and Jeff Manning of Galatia, IL, a baby brother Johnny Leo Simmons, sisters Betty Stricklin of Harrisburg, IL, Ruby Gregg of Evansville, IN, and Eva Mildred Kuppart of Harrisburg, IL
Arrangements under the direction of Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel & Crematory, Mesa, AZ.