James Merton Barber 1916-2009  
"The Battle Creek Enquirer", Battle Creek, Michigan, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.
  James Merton "Mert" Barber James Merton "Mert" Barber, 93, had suffered ill health for a few years but died unexpectedly on November 5, 2009.   He was born June 27, 1916, in North Loup, Nebraska, to Glenn Douglas and Cora Rogers Barber.   Mert was employed by the Kellogg Company for 40 years, retiring in 1976.   As the president and life member of the Kellogg Sportsman's Club, he helped initiate bottle deposit legislation and worked diligently with a committee in the 1950's to rid the Battle Creek rivers of pollution.   He also served as president of the 25-year Club and the Kellogg Retiree's Association.   Mert was the recipient of many honors for his conservation projects and was proud of his life membership in the NRA and the Marshall Moose Lodge 676.   Mert was a man of many talents.   As a child he played in the town band, directed by his grandfather, and enjoyed a life-long participation in and appreciation of music.   He was an avid golfer, bowler, hunter, trap shooter, woodworker, photographer, rose grower, sports fan, and some-time poet.   Above all, he doted on his family, of which there are many.
  Survivors include his wife, Donna House Bennett Barber, daughter Betty Barber McConnell, sons Paul (Mary) Barber and Rick (Ila) Barber, ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother Wayne (Joan) Barber, sisters Iris Priestly, Jo Antoniuk and Jeanne Dress. He is also survived by two step-sons, Curtis Bennett and Cory (Barbara) Bennett, brother-in-law Dick (Vivian) House, sister-in-law Molly Jo Bonner, five step-grandchildren, three great step-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.   Mert was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Sayre, and his brothers, Ellis, Paul, Kenneth, and Claude.   Mert served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines.
  He will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.   At the request of the family, friends may call Sunday, November 15, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home.   Graveside services will be private.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mert's home church, Seventh Day Baptist Church, P.O. Box 146, North Loup, Nebraska, 68859, or the charity of your choice.


Census: 10 JAN 1920 North Loup, Valley Co., Nebraska: age 3 6/12

Susan Margaret (Sayre) Barber 1914-1980 
Categories: Battle Creek, Michigan, North Loup, Nebraska, The Sabbath Recorder Obituary
"The Sabbath Recorder", Vol 202, No 5, p 28, May, 1980.
  Margaret Sayre Barber was born November 29, 1914, the daughter of Bert and Delia Sayre in North Loup, NE, and died March 11, 1980 in Battle Creek, MI.
  She had resided in Battle Creek since 1936.   For 23 years she was employed by the Kellogg Company retiring in 1973.   She was a member of the North Loup, NE, Seventh Day Baptist Church; a charter member of the Coburn School P. T. A.; formerly active as a volunteer with the Blue Bird groups; was an avid golfer and bowler; and a former member of the Old Lyric Club.
  Surviving are her husband, James M. "Mert" Barber; a daughter, Mrs. Betty McConnell of Charlotte, N.C.; sons Paul M. Barber of Adrian, MI, and Richard G. of Cedar Rapids, IA; ten grandchildren; two brothers, Charles D. and Ralph M., both of Fallbrook, CA, and two sisters, Mrs. Albert (Jessie) Babcock of Los Angeles, CA, and Mrs. Rolla (Leona) Babcock of North Loup.
  A memorial service was held from the Richard Henry Funeral Home with the Rev. S. Kenneth Davis officiating.   Interment was in Floral Lawn Memorial Garden.     S. K. D.