Ruth Irene Barker, 74, of McLeansboro, died at 11:08 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on July 25, 1936, in McLeansboro, the daughter of Herman and Holly Ann (Odel) Council. She married Arthur Barker on May 6, 1962, in Shawneetown, and he preceded her in death. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Debbie Trout and husband Joe of McLeansboro; two sons, Greg Brenner and wife Julie of McLeansboro and Gary Barker and wife Dorothy of Cameron Park, Calif.; Heather Simpson of Fairfield, Kelly Williams and husband Heath of Thompsonville, Mike Brenner and wife Kecia of McLeansboro and Ryan Barker of Cameron Park, Calif.; five great-grandchildren, Ariel Totten, Collin Williams, Holly Williams, Faith Hoffman and Colt Brenner; three sisters, Pearl Rubenacker and husband Jack of McLeansboro, Lovella Craddock of McLeansboro and Delois Grubb and husband Ray of Belle Prairie; a brother, Leonard Council and wife Paula of Washington, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a granddaughter, Cathy Totten; and three brothers, Arthur, James and Glendal Council. Ruth was a retired registered nurse who was employed by Hamilton Memorial Hospital and Hamilton Memorial Health Care in McLeansboro and Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. She was a Methodist by faith. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will be at Digby Hill Cemetery in Dale. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, is in charge of all arrangements.