Obituary of Rita Joyce Barnett

Rita Joyce Bailey Barnett, age 70,went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 15, 2024, at United Hospital Center. Rita was born on May 11, 1954, to the late Virgil Jennings Bailey and the late Carrol Alice (Rowan) Bailey. On March 1, 1975, Rita married her High School Sweetheart, Dwight Wayne Barnett and was happily married for 49 years. Rita was the youngest of 16 children. She looked up to each and every one and learned a great deal from each one. Those who are previously deceased are as follows: Anna Susan (Bailey) Bennett and her husband Alva Harrison Bennett; Frances Irene (Bailey) Peters and her husband Donald Gene Peters; Wilda Floe (Bailey) Richards and her husband Ray (Bud) Richards; Arthur Lee Bailey; James Elmer Bailey; Dennis Ervin Bailey and his wife Mabel Vanscoy Johns Bailey; Mazie Madeline (Bailey) England; also one baby sister and one baby brother deceased at birth. Brothers and Sister still living are: Trecia Maria (Bailey) Bonner and late husband Darrell Bonner; Alice Marguerite (Bailey) Devericks and late husband Joseph Devericks; Thelma Elizabeth (Bailey) Dietrich and late husband Gilbert Dietrich; Mayford Lynn Bailey and wife Violet (Jenny) (Groscope) Bailey; Gary Dwayne Bailey; Meredith (Glen) Bailey and wife Alice (Kay) (Carr) Bailey and a sister-in-law, Sherry (Jenkins) Bailey. Rita was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon and was delivered my her Aunt Wilma Tenney. She graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1972 and then attended WV Business College for one year. She was employed by Spudnut Shop, Ralston Press, Heck’s Inc and then by St. Joseph’s Hospital where she worked for 32 + years either in Registration or Billing Department. She lived with her husband and children at 1026 Claypool Hollow Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201 since 1981. They were blessed with one daughter Louella Marie (Barnett)  Crites and one son, Wayne Ellis Barnett. They both have grown up and made their parents very proud. Louella is married to Scott Crites and lives in Buckhannon; Wayne is married to Debbie Gillespie Barnett and lives in Weston, WV. Louella blessed us with two wonderful grandsons, Kyle Waitman Marteney and wife Rhianna and Walker Ellis Marteney and one granddaughter, Brittany Riffle and husband Corey and daughter Madilynn Riffle and son Maddox Noah Riffle, who also have made us very proud. Wayne has two stepsons, Justin Roth of PA and Coleman Davis and daughter, Tammy Sue Carpenter, of Weston. Rita was a Christian by faith and was a member of Full Gospel Church in Buckhannon, WV. She loved teaching, singing, prayer and worshipping the Lord. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, taking long car rides with her husband and  family if available. She also enjoyed coordinating activities and coordinated many family reunions over the years. She loved getting the family together and keeping up with everyone. Friends will be received Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Chad Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Bailey Cemetery in Buckhannon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s memory to the Bailey Ridge Cemetery. The family wants to express appreciation and thanks to the following: Pastor Chad Lewis and Full Gospel Church, all family, friends, and churches that have held Rita and our family up in prayer, Dr. Ahmad, Dr. Boone and St. Joseph’s Hematology/Oncology Department. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.