Maralyn "Lyn" Barton

 Maralyn Carstens Barton

Maralyn or Lyn to most, who knew her, was born at Mitchell, SD to George and Martha Carstens on April 14, 1928.  Lyn was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Lyn and her (deceased) brother George grew up during the depression in a close knit family. She excelled at school and when she graduated from Mitchell High in 1946, she earned scholarships that enabled her to attend The University of South Dakota.  While at USD she met her future spouse John (Bud) H. Barton, with both of them having a big interest in jazz.  In 1948 she was the national committee woman for SD of the Young Democrats, part of her life long interest in politics.  Lyn was married at Zion Lutheran to John in 1952.  They soon started a family with John C. (1953), Elizabeth (1955), Ann (1959) and Thomas and Sarah (1960).  Lyn was a housewife who raised this large family and enjoying their early lives.  Moving from Omaha to Arapahoe County in 1968, Lyn soon developed a circle of friends that sustained her for the rest of her life. She volunteered for a period of time at Mitchell Elementary near downtown Denver and was active in The League of Women Voters.  Lyn and John joined Our Father in 1973 and she helped start the mid-week meals, and was on the building committee for “God in the Sod” as well as the move to South Holly and its first expansion.  They traveled extensively in retirement and enjoyed the birth of seven grandchildren.  Lyn was extremely proud of being both a lifelong Lutheran, and a lifelong Democrat.  John passed away in 2003 and Lyn continued to enjoy life with her family.  On February 3^rd of this year, it pleased God to call her home.