Marietta “Marge” (Strasburg) Barnett

This is the story of Marietta “Marge” (Strasburg) Barnett, who left this world on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the age of 99 years, 10 months, and 15 days. She is celebrating in heaven alongside her Savior, her beloved husband Barney, her son BJ, Jr., and son-in-law Ralph. Marge’s life story began on July 13, 1921, she was one of eight children born to Edward Otto and Marietta Strasburg in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. She graduated from high school in Watertown, Wisconsin. Marge decided to serve her country at an early age, joining the Women’s Army Corps, “WAC”, as soon as she was age-eligible following high school. She was assigned to the motor pool at Camp Breckenridge in Kentucky at the age of 21. It was in Kentucky that she met a young man named, Burnam “Barney” Barnett, Sr., who was a Military Policeman. Their friendship evolved into a romance and she married her lifelong partner on February 11, 1943, a union that lasted for 57 years and was blessed with two children. In 1943 with World War II in full swing Barney was stationed in the Panama Canal. Marge was expecting the couple’s first child and moved to live with family in Hazard, Kentucky until their daughter Mary was born in August of 1944. When Mary turned a year old, she and Marge joined Barney in Panama until the end of the war. The family moved to Dayton, Ohio where their son, BJ, Jr. was born in September of 1947. Following the war, Barney moved his family to Florida where he began his flying career, the career that would eventually bring the family to Texas in 1953 where Barney joined the Ziglar System Agriculture Flying Service. The Ziglar System would become Allied Sprayers with Barney and Marge as sole owners, located in Stamford, TX. Marge devoted her life to taking care of her family and volunteering in her community. Marge was a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girl leader. She served in several civic clubs, taught china painting classes, loved to play bridge, enjoyed golfing, and was an active member in the Central Presbyterian Church. Marge was the first woman elected to the City Council of the City of Stamford, serving from 1979 until 1983. While serving on the Library Board, Marge was instrumental in restoring the façade of the historic Carnegie Library to its original appearance. She served as Librarian from 1993 until retiring in 2010. During her tenure, Marge digitized the library contents, purchased computers, and provided public internet access for folks in the area. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, BJ “Barney” Barnett, Sr. in 2000, son, BJ Barnett, Jr., sonin- law, Ralph Pearson, her parents, and 7 brothers and sisters. Memories of Marge will live on through her daughter and son-in-law Mary Elizabeth and John Yingling of Rockwall, TX; daughter-in-law, Susan Barnett of Round Rock, TX; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Scott and Cassie Barnett of Round Rock, TX; grandson, Steve Barnett; granddaughter-in-law, Janet Barnett of Round Rock, TX; 5 great grandchildren: Hanna, Rachel, James, Spencer, and Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Marge’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021 with Memorial Services at the Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kelly Pigott officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 Columbia St., Stamford, TX. The family extends a special thank you to the Big Country Hospice, and to Patsy Richards and the staff at Country Elegance for their kindness and care given to Marge and her family when visiting. Memorials may be sent in memory of Marge to: Central Presbyterian Church, 601 Rowland Dr, Stamford, TX 79553, or Stamford Library, 600 E. McHarg St., Stamford, TX 79553. Memories and condolences may be shared at www. tankersleyfuneralhome.com.