Maxine Doloris Barnes' Obituary
“I see Jesus, and he’s beautiful” Mom said a day or two prior to her leaving her earthly family. (1 Cor. 2:9) Maxine Doloris Keppel Barnes, known as “Penny”, joined her heavenly family and Lord Jesus Christ on September 26, 2014. She was 89.
Penny was one of 8 children. Her younger brother Robert still lives in Livermore, Ca. She married her one love Howard, who was a medic with the Marine Corps at that time. They had 3 daughters, Cherilyn Naughton of Sacramento, Ca., Marjel Jones and Denise Barnes, both of Mt Pleasant. Her daughters blessed her with grandchildren; Miles, Aulaire, and Declan Naughton; Gabriel, Samuel, Isaac, Zachary and Emily Jones (Barringer); Jennefer and Sean Brodigan, and Eva and Lili Holland. Her great grandchildren are Skylar and Willim Naughton, Lauren and Andrew Single, Jacob and Leah Maxine Jones, Linden and Sami Leigh Jones, Stella Bright Barringer, and Connor Brodigan.
Born in Scotia, Nebraska, Penny moved to California and eventually Anchorage, Alaska where she and Howard raised their girls. She was a homemaker first, but had various other jobs including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Ground Hostess, Teamsters Union secretary, and Expediter on the Alaskan Pipeline.
Orphaned at an early age, Penny knew well the value of family and tradition. Saturdays were filled with the aroma of fresh homemade bread and soups. Evenings were filled with the sounds of music, Mom harmonizing with Dad as he played his old Gibson. Friday was Family Night, and we could be found roasting hotdogs and marshmallows in the fireplace on those cold Alaskan nights. The summers would find us camping, mom often in the middle of a clear Alaskan stream with hip boots, fishing for trout or salmon.
We girls were always fascinated by Mom’s creativity, which was totally self-taught. From tin-can art, rice pictures, giant rag rugs, hat making, lapidary work, embroidery and crochet to large masterpiece paintings. She was no ordinary lady. Her sense of humor and optimism engulfed her and all who were in her presence. Penny had a fabulous memory that spanned her lifetime, and was able to recite limericks, long Robert Service poems, and elementary school songs; she amazed us with the names of classmates and friends from 70 years ago! She loved music, Scrabble and cards, and read voraciously.
Much of her last 20 years were spent in North Carolina. She loved her little “cabin in the pines”, Carolina’s weather and seasons, and the lovely array of birds. She grew close to the Lord here, and loved her BBN radio station.
Our family will celebrate her life at the home of her daughter located at 441 Walker Road, Mt. Pleasant. Friends are welcome between 6-8:30 Thursday, October 3, 2014.
Our sincere thanks to Hospice House, in particular Denise, and those on staff who assisted with her care. We would also like to thank Lady’s Funeral Home for their gracious support.
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