Bernice "Bernie" Barnes' Obituary
Longtime Miami resident Mrs. Bernice V. Barnes passed into eternity peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday morning August 10, 2011 in Commerce, Oklahoma at the age of 95.
Bernice was born in Watford City, North Dakota to her parents Carl and Loucille Shellabarger on January 10, 1916. Always one for adventure, Bernie moved West to Oregon where she met and married Fred R. Doney on February 20th, 1939 in Redding, California. Together they had two sons, Thomas R. Doney and Jack R. Doney, MD. Fred and Bernie made their homes throughout Washington State.
In 1959, she married William “Bill” Barnes in Lake Tahoe, CA. They lived and ran many funeral homes in the state of Washington until the 1980’s. Bernie was an avid traveler who loved adventure. She and Bill travelled extensively throughout the United States and South Pacific where they were among some of the first tourist to visit Fiji and Bora Bora. In 1981, Bill and Bernie moved to Miami, Ok and ran several businesses.
Bernie was a career woman who had 27 years of service with the Washington State Department of Highways. She was also a licensed funeral director, travel agent, interior decorator, business owner and even got her real estate license at the age of 75. Bernie was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in Okanogan, WA and Miami, Oklahoma.
Although Bernie is no longer with us, her memory will be kept alive through the family and friends she leaves behind which include: 1 son: Jack R. Doney, MD of Miami, Oklahoma. Grandchildren: Brian and Camille McKasson, Rod and Melanie Mason, and Andrew Doney. Great-Grandchildren: Malachi, Maddox, Cooper and Elliana.
Bernie is preceded in death by son: Thomas Doney, Husband’s: Fred R. Doney and Bill Barnes and Brother: Donald Shellabarger.
Pallbearers include: Christopher Tarter, Dale Brock, Dwain Richardson, Larry Bolton, Dr. Roger Parker, and Chauncey Witcraft, MD
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Helen Hutchison officiating. A private interment will follow services on Monkey Island, Ok.
Services are under the direction of Cooper-Althouse Funeral Home.
Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.cooperalthousefuneralhome.com
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