BARNETT, Vera Elizabeth

BARNETT, EICHMEIER, BENSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/9/2009 at 12:31:46

ROCKFORD, IOWA - Vera Elizabeth Barnett, 83, a lifelong Rockford resident passed away Wednesday (April 16, 2003) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, Rockford. A private interment service will take place in the Rosehill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. today at Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home, 302 West Main St., Rockford and will continue one hour prior to services at the church Monday.

Born June 24, 1919, to Herman Eichmeier and Alta Mae Benson Eichmeier, Vera grew up in Rockford and completed her education as a member of Rockford High School's Class of 1937.

In 1941, Vera was united in marriage to Dean Walter Barnett of Greene, where they lived until her husband was called into the service of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Following the tragic death of her husband in 1943, Vera and their newborn son, Calvin Dean Barnett, returned home to Rockford.

An intelligent, strong and independent woman, Vera worked tirelessly as a parent and provider in the absence of her husband. Over the course of a long career, Vera held positions at Floyd County Co-op Oil Company, National Farmers Organization, Peoples Natural Gas Company and most recently, as a Site Manager for the Rockford Senior Center from which she retired in the mid 1990s.

Vera also gave of herself to her community. Her contributions included membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, church groups and various other community-based groups. Vera also distinguished herself as a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rockford for more than 65 years.

Vera will be fondly remembered for her compassion, kindness, generosity, and most notably, her everlasting commitment to her family and friends. She was considered by her grandsons as being a terrific storyteller, a delicious cook and a grandmother who was always there for them. Her son, Cal, will always be grateful to his mother for her sacrifices, strengths, dedication, and guidance throughout his life. She found great joy in following college basketball, reading, gardening, and cooking or baking for her family.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Alta Mae Eichmeier; her husband, Dean, and a brother, Burr Eichmeier, of Rockford.

She is survived by her son Calvin Dean Barnett, of Marshall, Minn., and grandchildren, Jason and Christopher Barnett both of Minneapolis.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services (641) 756-3311.

[Mason City Globe Gazette]