Madison – Ruth Hazel Barker, 79, formerly of Racine, passed away at the UW Hospital on Saturday, January 23, 2016. She was born in New Albany, Mississippi on March 24, 1936, daughter of the late Ira Lee and Mary Ella (nee: Mosely) Barker.Ruth devoted her life to caring for her family and providing a safe and happy home for them. She was quite outgoing and fun to share time with. Having been blessed with a kind heart, helping others came naturally to her. She enjoyed family activities and singing gospel music.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Otis Dean Jones Jr, Donnie Jones, Brenda Jones all of Racine, Alvin Townsend, Gregory Townsend, Darrin (Cookie) Townsend all of Madison, Denver Townsend of N. Carolina, and Carol (Mark) Cleveland of S. Carolina; 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; 6 siblings, Jonny Barker, Magnolia Williams, Mabel Hendrix all of Racine, Imogene Barker of Kenosha, Joe Barker and Pearlene Lee, both of Chicago, Sheia Nelson-Sudmine of St. Louis, and Mary Jamison of Tennessee; brother-in-law Qadeem Shakoor I; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Debra First; and sister, Dhameera Shakoor, and step-father Ollie Shareef..

Ruth's homegoing celebration will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 with Imam Wali Shakoor-Luqman I presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Graceland Cemetery will immediately follow the service.