Gloria Barnett Obituary

Gloria Jean Barnett, 82 of Mountain Grove, MO, formerly of Summersville,  passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Texas County, MO. She was born May 31, 1943, to the late Madge (Hughes) Spiker in Nicholas County, WV. She graduated from Nicholas County High School in 1961 and married former U.S. Army Sergeant Ralph A. Barnett of Richwood, WV, in 1970. She was an active member of Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, MO, for many years.

Gloria was a strong, resilient woman dedicated to her family and her deep faith in God and Jesus. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ralph; her sons Ralph Junior, Shawn Christopher, George Scott (Scotty), and Jerry Todd (Todd); mother, Madge; brother Private First Class, George F. Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; and sister Susan Jane (Johnson) Hicks. Also of special mention is her close, devoted friend and sister in Southside Baptist Church, Ms. Grace Hamilton.

Dedicated to the farm, she worked hard, driving farming equipment, taking care of horses, cattle, cats and dogs of all sorts, all the while taking care of everyone else around her first. Known for her strength, gratitude and compassion, Gloria helped others in need throughout her life and was an advocate for the underdog, many times an unknown and “silent” helper who did not seek recognition for her acts of kindness. She enjoyed basketball in her early years and one of her greatest passions was a life-long love of horses and horsemanship, competitively and recreationally showing Saddlebred horses and Hackney ponies for many years. She was musically gifted and had a beautiful soprano singing voice. She played several musical instruments including clarinet, flute, saxophone, accordion, and piano.

While her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who cherish her memory most which includes daughters Tiffany Kremling (TJ) of Unionville, TN, and Beverly Kirker (Bryan Cottle) of Summersville;  five loving grandchildren; Seth Barnett of MO, Steven Kirker of Summersville, Lexi, Bailey, and Sage Kremling of Unionville, TN; six nieces and nephews, and close friends Terry and Roger Campbell of Unionville, TN.

A private family viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025.  Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. at Waters Funeral Chapel in Summersville with the Reverend Denise Hawkins officiating and Mr. Roger Campbell speaking. Friends may call at the funeral chapel from 11:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at the Barnett Family Cemetery on Bug Ridge, Sutton.

Condolences:watersfuneralchapel.com

 In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering, making a tribute donation to a not-for-profit organization that you are passionate about, or supporting your local animal shelter. Above all, please dedicate yourself to your loved ones and live your best life.