Holton- Areta Marie Barnett, 64, of Holton, passed away August 14, 2009 at Medicalodges Jackson County. Areta was a rock and a stone pillar that our family clung to in the roughest times. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2000 and with the support of her two eldest children, Suzanne and Danial and their families, she battled cancer for 9 years. Unfortunately the cancer progressed and she lost her battle on the morning of August 14, 2009.
She was born March 1, 1945 in Lawrence, KS the daughter of Oren Clinton and Areta Marie Gunn Jones. She is survived by her father, Oren C. Jones; she was the oldest of three surviving siblings; sister, Lana Vantuyl of Cleveland, TN and a brother, Oren I. Jones of Harvest, AL. Areta was married thirty-one years to W. Harlan Barnett and was the Mother of three children. The eldest of her three children is Suzanne M. Conger, married to Leon E. Conger. They have three boys, Matthew, Andrew and Samuel and are blessed with five grand children; they reside in Holton, KS. Danial H. Barnett is the second oldest, married to Wendy and is the father of three wonderful children, Kristy, Alex and Bryar. Clinton D. Barnett is the youngest he is the father of two precious girls, Sydney and Corah. She was preceded in death by her mother, Areta Marie Jones and a grandson, Andy Conger.
Areta enjoyed reading; she was a collector and was the cleanest person you have ever met. She loved to travel and spend time with her friend, Bill Dugan. She loved family and was loved by many. She will be missed greatly and her memory will live on in the hearts and lives of her children and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS. Interment will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.