Emily Aitkens 1952-2017
Emily Ann Barber Aitkens, 64, Topeka, formerly of Mayetta, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.
She was born July 19, 1952, in Sioux Falls, S.D., the daughter of Willis L. and Julia Ann Cook Barber. She attended Holton High School and one year at Haskell University.
Ms. Aitkens was a certified nurse aide, Prairie Band Potawatomi CHR and a homemaker.
She was a member of the Potawatomi Pentecostal Church and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
Survivors include a daughter, Tifany Gurden, Topeka; four grandchildren, Daylene Johannes, Shaylene Perry, Stevauciae Perry and Montoy Perry; five great-grandchildren, Jaylah Williams, Joell Wilson, Jessiah Wilson, Athena Emily Perry and Catalina Perry; two sisters, Nancy Barber-Counts, Mayetta, and Lori Molina, Topeka; and three brothers, Jeff Barber, Tony Barber and Dwayne Barber, all of Delia. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Steve Travis Perry Jr.; a great-grandson, Jayden Buckholter; and a brother, William Barber.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Potawatomi Pentecostal Church, 10054 134th Road, Mayetta, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
