Mary Barks
Wood River |
Mary Louise Barks, 83, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at DePaul Hospital with her family by her side. Born on March 11, 1940, in Piasa, IL, she was the daughter of William and Ruth (Mellenthin) Caffery. Mary married Clifford "Cliff" Barks in Charlotte, NC, on February 14, 1992. A steadfast member of the 1st Baptist Church of Brighton, Mary's unwavering faith and warm spirit touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. Her love and kindness knew no bounds, and her heart was boundless.
Family was at the center of Mary's life, and she reveled in spending quality time with her loved ones. She was an avid Cardinals Baseball fan and never missed a game. Mary also enjoyed fishing and reading her Bible. To her grandchildren, she was a direct connect to God. She is survived by her children, Gary Cato of Wood River, IL, Rick Cato (Kimberly) of Granite City, IL, Jennifer Yandle (Scott) of Oak Island, NC, Susan Austin of East Alton, IL, and Brenda Hammond of Bethalto, IL. Also surviving are Deanna Taylor, Kevin Barks, and Arden Desha Tomosky, all of Charlotte, NC; a brother, James Caffery (Patsy) of Godfrey, IL; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild, Daxton Cato. Her life-long friend Joan Cato also survives her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cliff; two daughters, Catherine "Katie" Cato and Reci Barks; two sisters, Betty Arbuthnot and Fran Steward; and a granddaughter, Kaitlyn McCorkle. Visitation will be on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL. Services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 9 am at the funeral home in Bethalto. Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to her two sons, Rick and Gary Cato. Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
