Mary Helen Barnett

Mary Helen Barnett 85 formerly of Miami, Okla.,  died Monday June 29, 2009, Mercy Health Center in Fort Scott. Kan.

She was born Nov. 26, 1923, in Vinton, Kan. to George I. and Estella (Fox) Moore. She lived in the Picher, Cardin, Commerce and Miami area all of her life before moving to Fort Scott in May 2007.

She was a member and organist of the Cardin Baptist Church for many years. Later in life, she was involved in music ministries for various churches throughout Ottawa County. She was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star.

She married Chester F. Barnett on Nov. 5, 1938. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her only son, Richard L. "Dick” Barnett, as well as five brothers and twO sisters.

Survivors include one daughter, Gloria Bennett and hus­band John of Fort Scott; six grandchildren: Kristen Dunn and husband Bill of St. Louis; Melinda Bennett of Kansas City; John Bennett of Kansas City; Mark Barnett and wife Carol of Miami, Fla.; Mary Barker and husband Sam of Camfield, Ohio; Melissa Scott and husband of Kitty Hawk, N.C. There are 15 great-grandchildren.

Services were held 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2009, at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home of Miami, Okla., with the Rev. Lloyd Stone Officiating. Interment followed in the G.A.R. Cemetery under the direction of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home of Miami, Okla. The family suggests memorials be made to the Cardin Baptist Church and may be left in care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home of Miami.