Betty Eileen (Alcorn) Barney

Betty E. Barney, 79, of Chanute, Kan. passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones Friday, January 2, 2015, after bravely confronting a battle with lung cancer. Her grandchildren affectionately nick named her “firecracker” she was beautiful, smart, sassy, witty, and admired for her strength and determination. She was able to keep up with the best on the dance floor too. At age three, she softened the gloom of The Depression-era as Betty and her mother graced the cover of a postcard as they were featured in an advertisement while strolling along the storefronts in Pitttsburg, Kan. She had many great friends and neighbors throughout her lifetime, she gave us all priceless memories. Betty was born June 28, 1935 in Arcadia, Kan. to Roland Sylvester and Phoebe (Foster) Alcorn. She grew up in Pittsburg, Kan. where she attended and graduated from Pittsburg High School. In 1951 she married Paul Dee Kennedy together having three children. Later they divorced. Betty and Thomas Clair Spence were married in 1961 and raised three more children together. He preceded her in death on April, 27, 1989. In 1990 Betty married John Henry Barney. He preceded her in death on December, 15, 2002. Early on Betty was employed by Burlington Overall Factory before establishing a career in electronics as a quality control technician for Kustom Signals and Key’s Electronics. She later retired from New Standard Printing Co. in 1990. Betty enjoyed gardening, golf, travel, spending time with family and attending grandchildren’s activities. She also had a lot of fun and fellowship together with John as they attended many Shriners functions together. She is survived by: 5 Children, 12 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren Gina Carlson (daughter) and husband Rick of Chanute, KS - Mitch Carlson, Michelle Kepley, Ginger Reichert, Katie Carlson. Teresa Collins (daughter) of Chanute, KS – Justin Spurrier Deena Martin (daughter) and husband Roscoe of Tulsa, OK – Victoria Santagata, Jamie Hultz, Jennifer Despotovic, James C. Taylor III (Jimbo) Sherrie (daughter) and Husband John Hyer of Florida – Matt Buetow and Angie Buetow Tommy Kennedy (son) of Florida – Andy Case She is preceded in death by her parents; Roland and Phoebe (Foster) Alcorn, one brother Jimmy Alcorn, Son; Shawn Thomas Spence and Great Grandson; Leo Michael Reichert. Family will gladly receive friends January 9, 2015 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Countryside Funeral Home, Gibson Chapel. Memorial Service will be January 10, 2015 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church. Burial will follow in Leanna Cemetery, East of Chanute. Memorials may go to Shriners Hospitals for Children, American Lung Association or FireEscape Coffeehouse and may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Countryside Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.

Betty Eileen (Alcorn) Barney

June 28, 1935 - January 2, 2015