Mary Barnett Obituary

Mary Ann Barnett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Redmond, Oregon on December 9, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 82.
Born on November 27, 1942, in Homedale, Idaho, Mary Ann was the oldest of five children born to Frank and Esther Brown. From a young age, she loved and nurtured those around her. Those qualities defined the way she lived her entire life.
Mary Ann married, Robert "Bob" Barnett, on June 25, 1967. Their lives were an example of love and commitment in all circumstances. A woman of deep spiritual faith, she began each day in prayer for Bob and their children Danny, Valerie and Matthew. As well as countless friends and family she held close in her heart.
Mary Ann was an avid runner in her younger years and a determined walker later in life, rarely missing her morning walks with her faithful dog, Misty. She also enjoyed a good game of golf. A talented quilter and a true Christmas enthusiast, Mary Ann filled their home with warmth, creativity and the joy of the season.
Mary Ann worked for the City of Redmond for over a decade, in roles such as City Recorder, Treasurer and Acting City Administrator. She later worked with Bob at Barnett Insurance, where she enjoyed helping clients work through their claims with empathy and determination. She dedicated four years of service on the Redmond School Board. Her last year as Chair provided Mary Ann the opportunity and honor of awarding Matthew with his high school diploma.
After the untimely passing of their daughter Valerie in 1989 from cancer, Mary Ann focused her grief into purpose. At 53, she earned her nursing degree from Central Oregon Community College and began a meaningful career in oncology nursing, offering care and compassion to families walking a path she knew too well. After retirement, she remained devoted to caring for others, offering her time as a volunteer with Partners in Care.
Mary Ann's legacy is deeply rooted in the love she gave so freely. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother and Grammy, a wonderful big sister and a treasured friend. Her greatest joy came from being "Grammy" to granddaughters Hannah, Maddi, Sofia, and Lilia, and grandsons Zachary, Brody, and Bentley. Her heart expanded even further to embrace adopted children Eric and Hilary Ballew and their sons, Alan and Isaac.
She is survived by her husband Bob; son Danny and granddaughters Hannah and Maddi; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Karen, along with their children Sofia, Lilia, Zachary, Brody, and Bentley; and siblings Bill (Barbara) Brown, Betty Jo (Bert) Simmons, Tom (Carol) Brown, Robyn (Ken) Hanson and their families.
A celebration of Mary Ann's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 12th at Powell Butte Christian Church, where Mary Ann was a longtime member. A dessert and fellowship reception will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/c/PowellButteChristianChurch
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Mary Ann Barnett Angel Scholarship Endowment at COCC. Contributions can be made at https://cocc.edu/departments/foundation/donation-form (please reference Mary Ann's Endowment in the comment section).