Ethel Barnett

Ethel V. Barnett, 95, of Tipton, MO, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the California Care Center.

She was born on April 15, 1930, in Henry County, MO, near Windsor, a daughter of Edward and Lila (Winton) McCallister. On November 18, 1946, in Springfield, MO, she married Willis Lee Barnett and he preceded her in death on April 22, 2003.

Ethel was a proud and active member of the First Baptist Church in Tipton. Her journey of faith began early in life, marked by her baptism in the clear waters of Wet Stone Creek in October of 1942.

Ethel dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She began her career as an elementary school secretary, a position she held for 16 years, where she brought warmth and kindness to the lives of countless students and staff. In 1976, she followed a new calling, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and further advanced her nursing career by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1980. She served with great compassion as an RN for Bothwell Home Health until her retirement in 1999.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ethel lived life with a vibrant spirit and a love for the outdoors. She found joy in fishing, golfing, reading, cooking, water skiing, and swimming. Yet, of all her passions, none compared to the love she held for her family. Time spent with her grandchildren was her greatest treasure.

Survivors include two sons, Terry Lee Barnett (Bonnie) of Tipton, James "Reggie" Barnett (Kay) of Tipton; three grandchildren, Nicole Rollins, Shelby Barnett, Laura Kromer (Brooks); eight step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Danny, Allyssa, and Blakelee; and one great-great grandchild, Felicity; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to both of her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters, and one step-grandchild, Nicole Ellzey.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Tipton. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Mountain Valley Cemetery near Mountain Grove, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mountain Valley Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Homes in Tipton.