Esther Levetta Barger

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mrs. Esther Levetta Barger, 88, formerly of Harrisburg, now of Mesa, Ariz., passed away at 11:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Banner Hospital in Mesa.

She was born Feb. 14, 1921, in Johnston City, Williamson County, to the late John L Simmons and Cora Elizabeth (Choate) Simmons. She was the wife of Carl Barger. They were married Nov. 3, 1940, in St. Louis, Mo.

In addition to her husband of 69 years, Esther is survived by two daughters, Linda Schubert of Mesa and Brenda Ortiz of Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren, Scott Radunz of Troy, Joseph Ortiz of Tucson, Ariz., Maria Ortiz of Cottonwood, Ariz., Heather Lorenz Phelps of Fulton, Mo. and Chris Bolin of Harrisburg; great-grandchildren, Jordan Ortiz of Cottonwood, Ariz., Motco'hoya Ortiz of Cottonwood, Ariz. and Dakota Manning of Galatia. She is also survived by siblings, Elbert A. Simmons of Evansville, Ind.; Donald E. Simmons and wife Muriel of Eldorado, 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. Sects and husband DeWayne of Fulton, Mo.

She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Holly Manning and Jeff Manning of Galatia; a baby brother, Johnny Leo Simmons; and three sisters, Betty Stricklin of Harrisburg, Ruby Gregg of Evansville, Ind. and Eva Mildred Kuppart of Harrisburg.

Esther was a longtime member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Elder Jay Stevens will be officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to service time at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at Mariposa Gardens, 6625 E. Main, Mesa, Ariz. Burial will be at National Cemetery at Cave Creek, Ariz.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the following address: Carl Barger, 6110 E. Ellis St., Mesa, Ariz. 85205-5941.