Merelyn J. Barnett

Merelyn J. Barnett, age 86, of Jackson, formerly of Lake LeAnn, made her journey to the Lord Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, after a long battle with dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of the staff at RidgeCrest Health Campus. She was born Feb. 4, in Flint, Mich., to Eldon M. Burton and Beatrice M. (Weaver) Burton. In her early years she lived in Fenton, Mich., and graduated from Fenton High School. She graduated from Hurley School of Nursing and after graduation, went to work in Queens Hospital in Hawaii. She met the love of her life, William R. Barnett and they were married Oct. 17, 1954. Bill preceded her in death Sept. 7, 1985.

She lived in many places including Lansing, Ontario, Texas and her most favorite place was Lake LeAnn. Being close to the water was her favorite place to be. She also had a love for baking bread, baking cookies (and giving them as gifts) and knitting beautiful sweaters and afghans. Her biggest passion was her family, music and dancing with Bill. Singing was at the top of her list and she sang with the Somerset Center United Methodist Church choir for years. She worked at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and later retired from the Jackson County Medical Care Facility.

Surviving is one son, Scott (Anne) Barnett of Brooklyn; one daughter, Lori (Brad) Barnett-Morrison; grandchildren, Nathan (Kelli) Barnett and Kelly Barnett; great-grandchildren, Tyler Shong and Lucas Barnett.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a visitation at Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Addison, Mich., Feb. 20, 2016, from 1 to 3 p.m. with a memorial service following. The Rev. Melvin Hicks will serve as officiant.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask for donations to be sent to Allegiance Health Hospice Home (allegiancehealth.org). If you would like to send condolences to the family, go to www.brownvanhemert.com.