Kenneth T. Barker, Jr.

Katherine Ann Foster

(Also known as Kathy Shively)

Kenneth T. Barker, Jr.

Kenneth T. Barker, Jr. was born Sept. 13, 1939 and passed away Oct. 15, 2012. Ken moved to Susanville in 1974. He truly became rooted in Susanville after marrying his love, Kathy Barker, in 1980. Ken started his own business, Ken’s Repair Service in 1984 then retired in 2001.

Ken was the oldest brother of six children and was thought of as a generous and loving man to his family and friends. He offered his suggestions with kind words and unending support. Ken’s clever mind and innovative thinking proved there was nothing he couldn’t fix or do.

Ken spent a lot of his free time fishing and boating. In the latter years of his life he successfully achieved his dream to become a pilot and then shared his passion for flight with family and friends. Ken spent a lot of his retirement volunteering at the Susanville Airport. Ken’s positive attitude and infectious sense of humor gifted his family with precious time during his battle with cancer. He was an inspiration to many and will be missed every day.

Ken is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy Barker; his loving children, Kurt Barker (Julie), and Desiree Vance (Lonnie); four grandchildren and extended family and many friends.

A celebration of his life and potluck luncheon will be held at the Susanville Airport from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 27. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to EAA Chapter 794, (Aviation Association) 471-920 Johnstonville Road, Susanville, CA 96130; Sierra Sportsmen’s Club and Junior Division, Inc. to support the Junior Fishing Derby, P.O. Box 1807, Susanville, CA 96130; or Honey Lake Hospice, P.O. Box 1166, Susanville, CA 96130.

Katherine Ann Foster

Katherine Ann Foster, born May 1, 1958 in Paradise, Calif. to Jimmy and Joanne Shively, passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at the age of 54 at Manor Care Health Facilities due to advanced liver failure.

The Shively family moved to Susanville in the 1960s. Kathy was a member of the Lassen High School drill team in 1974 and 1975. She graduated with honors in 1976. She then majored in business at Heald Business College in 1977 and then went to work for the forest service at the Eagle Lake Ranger District in Susanville as a clerk typist from 1978 to 1981. She then worked for the BLM as a personnel clerk until 1983. She moved to Chico and became a supervisory typist clerk III for Butte County Mental Health. Kathy loved working in law so in 1990 she started working as a legal secretary for Robert K. Hill, attorney at law. Kathy then became a paralegal and worked in prison prosecutions for the California Department of Corrections at CCC until she was hired as the senior legal secretary for the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office in Susanville, which she continued until she was medically retired with carpal tunnel.

Kathy enjoyed working with children and parents and had a passion for helping those in need; especially victims of domestic violence/sexual assault. She volunteered for the Child Abuse Special Advocate (CASA) program and was later offered the position of domestic violence program coordinator at Lassen Family Services. Shortly after, she was promoted to the deputy director of Lassen Family Services and continued serving Lassen County until 2010.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Joanne Shively; her younger brother, Andrew Shively; her older brother, Michael Shively; and tragically, her 7-year-old daughter, Renee Sharie DuSell.

Surviving Kathy are her son, Jesse DuSell, of Susanville; her younger brother, Tim Shively, of Roseville; her life-long soul mate, Roger Horsley, of Janesville; her aunt, Linda Kennedy (husband Richard Tice), of Susanville; her uncles, Roger Ferguson, of Paradise and Harold Ferguson (wife Kathy); and her sister-in-law, Michelle Shively, of Susanville; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Kathy will be missed by all those who knew her and loved her. Rest in peace.