Shirley Barta

Shirley Barta, of Antigo, died Thurs. May 7 at Evergreen Terrace under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 83 years old.She was born April 25, 1926 in Antigo, daughter of the late Irl and Beulah (Sharp) Hicks. She married Robert Barta on July 22, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Antigo. He preceded her in death Oct. 22, 1975. She graduated from Antigo High School in 1944, Northland College in 1948, and the University of Wisconsin Madison Library School in 1949.Shirley worked in the Milwaukee Public Library System 1949-1955. The couple moved to Antigo in 1955 when Robert purchased the Warren DeSoto Plymouth auto dealership.She was the children's librarian at the Antigo Public Library from 1955-1959, then director of the Antigo Public Library from 1960-1998. During that period the new library was built. For several years she taught a course in library science at the Langlade Teachers College, and for one year taught library science to the personnel of the Antigo Radar Base through Chapman College. Shirley was active in many local and state clubs and organizations. She was a member and past president of the Woman's Club of Antigo, a member of the Fine Arts Department of the Woman's Club of Antigo, past president and secretary of the Antigo Business and Professional Club, life member of the Wisconsin Library Association, life member of the Antigo Historical Society, past president of the former Wisconsin Valley Library Association and Wisconsin Association of Public Librarians, member of the Wisconsin Valley Library Advisory Committee, member of the former Main Street Board of Directors, former member of the University of Wisconsin Antigo Alumni Board, member of the Langlade County Humane Society, and member of the Langlade County Genealogical Society. In 1992, she received an award from Governor Tommy Thompson as a Wisconsin Main Street Honorary Board Member. Both Shirley and her husband, Robert, were members of the Civil Air Patrol.Shirley is survived by a son Peter (Maggie), granddaughter Kirsten, and grandson Jesse, all of Hopkins, MN.Shirley, Mom, is loved and will be missed by many friends and family.