Betty Barnes

Betty J. Barnes, age 86, of Perrysburg, OH passed away, Sunday, June 26, 2016, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, with her daughter and son by her side. She was born on September 29, 1928 to Charles and Zanna (Gillian) Whitacre in Oregon, Ohio. She married Ralph M. Barnes, Jr., on August 31, 1947 and they were married for more than 50 years before his death on September 15, 2001. Betty lived most of her young life in Oregon, Ohio graduating from Clay High School. For many years she was a homemaker raising her two children, Phillip W. Barnes and Debra A. Barnes. Later in life she worked for the Montgomery Wards Company and then worked side by side with her husband, Ralph, at Way Public Library in Perrysburg, OH for 25 years, retiring in 1998. Betty enjoyed any kind of craftwork, especially knitting, crocheting, and sewing, making most of her daughter’s clothes in early years. She also enjoyed traveling to the family’s beloved Big Bear Lake in Johannesburg, MI and then traveling with her husband in their RV throughout the United States. Betty was a member of the Witty Knitters of Perrysburg, Way Public Library Retirees, the Turnpike Travelers, and the First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Chancel Choir for over 25 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Phillip W. Barnes (Karen), her daughter, Debra A. Barnes, granddaughters, Britten L. Bunte (Rodger), Amy L. Burkhart (John) and Lynda Rae Roberts. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and many, many wonderful friends. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother, Charles Whitacre, Jr.. Betty’s daughter and son would like to thank all the caregivers from Northwest Ohio, especially Monica Campbell and Tarena McLennen, who took wonderful care of her for the past six months while she was at home. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, 200 West Second St. in Perrysburg with Pastor Eric McGlade officiating. Burial will be private in Fort Meigs Cemetery. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or to First United Methodist Church, Perrysburg, OH. Arrangements are being handled by Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133).