Patricia Barney

Patricia Barney, age 97, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on March 25, 2024. She was born October 29, 1926 in Jacksonville, Illinois, to Edwin Eugene and Edna Dorothy (Hackett) Smith. She was the second daughter of three girls. Her family relocated to California where she began school in the LaCanada area. She met and married the love of her life, Patrick Welch in 1941. After the war they had two sons Michael Welch and Timothy Welch. Her beloved husband Patrick died suddenly in 1965. Later she married Harold Dee Barney in 1969, he brought two daughters and a son to their union, (JoLynn Lords, Vicki Minor, and Kevin Barney), he passed in 1999,

She received her Associates Degree in Teaching at Hartnell college and taught as a substitute teacher while raising her sons on a ranch in Aromas and being involved in the local 4H. Later she joined the staff of Dr, Webb Wilson, holding many positions including office manager, until she retired. She became a volunteer at the Watsonville Hospital Service League for many years until 2019. She was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Watsonville Ward, holding many positions in addition to working in the church library for over 25 years.

She loved her family and was dedicated to them, she was the happiest when they were around. She was there for her extended family, friends and neighbors and she could always be counted on, her home was always open along with a good meal.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, was up on current events, and interesting to talk with, she always shared new information she learned including great recipes she tried.

She always did her best, was a blessing to know and a loving person. She was a sister, a beloved mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a great-great grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Mike (Cindy) Welch, Tim (Carolyn) Welch, step daughters, JoLynn Lords and Vicki Minor; grandchildren Johna Simon, Patrick (Jerri Barker) Welch, Austin (Rachel) Welch, Ashley Welch Martin, Tod (Danette) Lords, Burk Minor; 12 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and beloved sister Claire S. Dosier.

She will be set to rest in the Pajaro Valley Memorial Park.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 8, 2024