Born in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara was the daughter of Harold George Clarke and Cecile Irene Goheen. Barbara graduated from Royal Oak High School in Detroit in 1946. She attended Albion College for two years and graduated from Lake Forest College in 1950. She earned her masters of library science from the University of Illinois in 1966. Barbara worked and retired as head librarian for the Home Economics library at the University of Illinois.
Barbara was a long time member of PEO Chapter AR. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, Illinois and volunteered as the adult librarian for many years. Barbara cherished family, friends, Siamese cats, nature and PBS Masterpiece theater programs.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert A. Barnet, her brother Walter Clarke, and her son, James Clarke Swain.
Barbara is survived by her daughter Elizabeth McClellan, Louisville, KY, sons John (Hoa) Swain, Tucson, AZ and David (Catherine) Swain, Bloomington, IL, brother Richard (Lizz) Clarke, Independence, MO, granddaughters Rachael McClellan, Lauren Poole and Cami Swain, great-grandson Draven Ryan, five nephews, a niece, and several step children.
Cremation was chosen and cremains will be placed in the Memorial Gardens at the First Presbyterian church of Champaign. A memorial service to honor Barbara’s life will take place at the First Presbyterian Church (chapel) in Champaign, Illinois on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 2pm. A small reception will follow the service.
Barbara’s family would like to thank her sisters in PEO, the Windsor of Savoy staff and friends, her church and her Champaign community of friends for all the love and support they gave her, especially during the past year. Thanks to the staff and residents of the Episcopal Church Home in Louisville, KY for their friendship, kindness and caring during Barbara's final months of life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cottey College in c/o PEO chapter AR, the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, or the Champaign County Humane Society.
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