Nikki Machael Barth, who just celebrated her 67th birthday, passed away peacefully January 21, 2020 due to complications of pancreatic cancer. She was born January 19, 1953, in Austin, to James and Caroline Miller.
She was a member of the Smithville High School “Marching 100” where she was a twirler. She loved music, receiving a full music scholarship to Sam Houston State University where she played the flute and piano. She also attended the University of Texas at Austin. She enjoyed watercolor painting, gardening, and swimming.
She was married on August 3, 1979, to Roy Barth. They have lived in San Marcos for 40 years. Nikki supported her family in all of their ambitions and goals, many times jumping in and taking an active interest. She joined many cooking classes as David’s cooking career took off, joined the Presidential Prayer team as Daniel served in the Army, attending conferences and gatherings in support of Douglas and Roy’s careers.
Nikki, over the years, worked at the First Baptist Church, Wonderland School, Dr. Welch’s Orthodontic Practice, Widelite, and at the Tx-DPS in Austin.
Nikki is survived by her parents Jim and Caroline Miller; husband Roy Barth; three sons David Sundeen and wife Susan; Daniel Sundeen; Douglas Barth; sister Vicki Miller and husband Craig Berry; brother Tim Miller; brother Terry and wife Georgia Miller; sister in-law Lois Schmidt; sister in-law Elnora and husband Ken McDonald. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Dedra Birzer, Carrie Townsend, Jana Acuna, Shawn Schkade, Heather Isle, Ashley Miller, Matthew Miller, Rebekah Miller and Nolan Miller and her many great nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
She loved party planning and hosting her family and friends. She loved to travel with her husband and was blessed to see many parts of the world. Those that knew her knew not to interrupt while she was cheering on her Spurs, who she loved seeing win. She strove for perfection in everything, even as perfection was changing. Even though she attempted, she never quite won the championship of her family Fantasy Football League, finishing 2nd place on one occasion.
Nikki was strong in her faith and was a faithful member of Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels, and was active in small groups. She participated in a leadership role for the Community Bible Study group, San Marcos. Throughout her life she also enjoyed singing in the choirs of various churches where she attended.
Her life was a living example of her faith. We would like to share this quote she had hand written within the front of her Bible … “Faith connects our weakness with God’s strength.” Nikki amazed us in her strength and faith as she fought this disease, always knowing that she was ready to go home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation with family and friends will be at Pennington Funeral Home in San Marcos from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, January 26th. Celebration of her life will be at First Christian Church, 3105 RR 12, San Marcos. Following the services, fellowship and lunch with the family will be at the church. Burial will follow at Bateman Cemetery on FM 20, Red Rock, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or Oakwood Baptist Church, New Braunfels.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas Oncology in San Marcos and St David’s South in Austin for the special care they gave Nikki. Our prayers are with the many wonderful people we met along Nikki’s journey who continue to fight this terrible disease. Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas, 512-353-4311.
