Betty Jane Barnes, 88, formerly of Taft, CA. entered into rest on May 21, 2011 in Manteca, CA. She was born on January 3, 1923 in Taft, CA, to the late Ora and Gladys Slentz.

Mrs. Barnes was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, George Burton Barnes of Taft, CA.

Her children are Gerald Burton Barnes and wife, Mary, of Manteca, CA, and George Martin Barnes and his wife, Thelma, of Taft, CA.

She was blessed with four grandchildren: Clare Smith (Jeff), Christopher Barnes (Angela), Brian Barnes (Rebecca), and Shannon Bigliere (Dino). She also had nine great-grandchildren: Kenneth Doo; Cayden and Jillian Smith; Matthew, Trevor, Austin and Taylor Barnes; and Dino and George Bigliere.

In addition, Mrs. Barnes has two surviving brothers – Boyd Slentz of Downing, CA, and Jack Slentz (Betty) of Taft, CA – and two sisters – Helen Richards of Virginia Beach, VA, and Patsy Hill (Virgil) of Bakersfield, CA.

She has one brother-in-law, Charles Barnes of Van Wert, OH. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Barnes lived all of her life in Taft, CA, where she raised her children and helped her husband with his business – Barnes Roofing. She worked for a time as custodian for the Kern County School District and Taft City Schools.

Mrs. Barnes lived in Manteca for three years to be nearer to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a resident of Merrill Gardens, which she enjoyed thoroughly. Although Mrs. Barnes was a private person, she did enjoy going on several outings with Merrill Gardens, especially going to Black Oak Casino and the McHenry House in Modesto. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles and playing cards.

While her husband was alive, Mrs. Barnes and he, for 16 years, enjoyed traveling in their motor home. They traveled all over the U.S. and spent most summers at Pismo Beach.

Mrs. Barnes was a beautiful oil painter and also a china painter. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed many of her paintings and china painted pieces.

Mrs. Barnes’ children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the most important part of her life. She will always be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Betty was always dressed immaculately with her hair and make-up done. She was a Christian woman who treated everyone according to the Golden Rule.

She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Mrs. Barnes’ services will be handled by Erickson and Brown Funeral Home, Taft, CA. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Westside District Cemetery, Taft, CA.


Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, May 26, 2011