Patsy Louise Jennings Milner Barnes was born Oct.8, 1927 at her family’s farm near Tupelo, Okla., and passed away Aug. 1, 2011 in her home at Oroville after a long battle with cancer.
In 1942, she moved to the Oakland, Calif., area with her father, Arthur and step mother Daisy Jennings. Married Theodore (Ted) Milner in 1943 and moved to Arizona where they both worked for the US Forest Service on the Coconino Forest. Sons, Arthur Steven (Steve) and David Jennings (Dave) were both born in Flagstaff, Ariz., during this time. An opportunity for Ted to join the US Border Patrol brought a move to Brawley, Calif. During the Korean War, Ted was called back into the service and the family moved to El Paso, Texas. Two years later, they were back with the Border Patrol and moving all across the Southern US Border: Nogales, Tucson, Gila Bend, Calexico and then in 1963 a leap to the Northern border, moving to Oroville. Patsy started working in the Oroville banks in 1965, working her way up to Branch Manager. She retired in 1991. Patsy married William B (Bill) Barnes also in 1991; he preceded her in death in March of 2000. She was very active in many of the service clubs and organizations available: Treasurer of Oroville Historical Society, Treasurer of Community Concert Association in Omak, Vice President of Soroptimist International in Osoyoos, B.C., member Oroville Senior Citizens, Charter Member Eagles and the Red Hat Society.
She is survived by: Steve (son) and wife Cheryl. Grandchildren: Pam and Todd and great grandchildren, Stephen, Cassandra and Logan, all living in the Puyallup-Tacoma area; Dave (son) and wife Beverly (Mahugh) living in Kirkland, granddaughter Shannon of Kent and grandson Scott who has been living with Patsy and assisting her during her long Illness.
At Patsy’s request there will be no service, her ashes will be spread privately by the family.
Please make any donations to the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to thank all of you for the many cards and prayers.
Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville in care of arrangements.
