Lois E. Barker

STRONG – Lois E. Barker, 84, passed away at home, with family by her side, on Jan. 25, 2026. Lois was born in Farmington, Maine on Dec. 19, 1941, the daughter of Leonard Hutchins and Methyl (Brackley) Hutchins.

After high school, Lois went on to study teaching at University of Maine Farmington, earning her Bachelor of Science in education for grades K-8. Lois graduated from UMF in 1974 and then went on to further her education, earning her Masters in Elementary Education from University of Southern Maine, graduating in 1985. Lois spent most of her years living in Strong but had also lived for a time in Wilton. She married the love of her life, Clyde Barker, and together they shared 68 years of marriage. In her spare time, she could be found reading, crocheting, knitting or quilting.

Lois was a devoted teacher for 30 years. She tutored students in the community with disabilities, taught 7th and 8th grade language arts for SAD #52 and then taught 4th – 8th grade language arts, social studies, and self-contained for MSAD #58. Lois served on the SAT Team, she mentored new teachers, planned and chaperoned multiple school functions and field trips, coached public speaking and served on multiple school committees.

When Lois was not teaching, she stayed busy elsewhere volunteering and serving her community. She was a member of the Farmington Emblem Club #460, the Pythian Sisters Cleopatra Temple #90 out of Strong, Maine and Lakeview Temple #14 in Rangeley, Maine. Lois was very involved with various other clubs and committees. She was a member of the Town of Strong Budget Committee, Order of the Eastern Star, Phillips, Maine, the Phillips and Strong Lions Club, Franklin County Retired Teachers, and the Town of Strong Planning Board. Lois spent many years as the Secretary of the Foster Memorial Building Committee and being a judge for the annual Pier Pole Days Parade in Strong. She became a chaplain in 2016, a ministerial trustee in 2014, and Chairman of Staff Parish Relations Committee also in 2014. Lois enjoyed being active and involved with her own and her neighboring communities. In Lois’ own words “Throughout my life I have put countless hours working to make my county, my town, and my district a better place for the next generation”.

Lois was predeceased by her husband, Clyde Barker; her daughter, Stacey Barker Haines; her parents, Leonard and Methyl Hutchins; her sister, Janice Goings; and her brother, Wendell Hutchins. She is survived by her two children, Stephen Barker and Cheryl and Mike Barker and wife Kelly; nine grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Public visiting hours will be held Feb. 6, 2026, from 6 – 8 p.m., located at Dan and Scott’s Funeral Home, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.