LORETTA BARNETT

FORT WORTH -- Loretta May Hoyt Barnett, died peacefully Friday evening, Dec. 11, 2009, in her 77th year. Service: Noon Thursday, Dec. 17, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery; those wishing to attend should arrive at the cemetery by 11:45 a.m. Visitation: Family and friends will be received 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Great Room at Robertson Mueller Harper. Her family will also receive friends Thursday after the committal service at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and David Underwood. Born Loretta May Hoyt on May 18, 1932, in Kinmundy, Ill., she grew up and graduated in the small rural town. Following high school she moved to St. Louis, where she went to work for SW Bell as a long distance operator. Loretta supported the Korean War effort working at Remington Small Arms in the ammunition testing department. Following the Korean War, she met her future husband, William D. Barnett Jr., on Dec. 23, 1956, when her brother brought his roommate home for the holidays. Loretta and William were married March 31, 1957. Loretta quickly adapted the Air Force way of life make home at each stop along the way. The two were blessed with the arrival of their first child, Kirt, while stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base in 1962. Their second and third children, Dannett and Valerie, were born in Denison while the couple was stationed at Perrin Air Force Base. Their youngest child, Tracy, was born while the couple was stationed in Germany at Spangdalhm Air Base. Regardless of the duty station Alaska to Germany, Loretta was the glue holding the family together and managing its daily affairs while William was deployed overseas for months to years at a time. She was both a great provider and protector, raising her children while transforming base housing into a warm and loving home. There was always a space in her home for a stray animal and an opening at her dinner table for a lone airman or a child's friend. Their home was centerpiece for many a great holiday meal and family gatherings. She was preceded in death by her parents, William E. and Hazel Hays Hoyt; a daughter, Dannett; and brother, Jack Hoyt. Survivors: In addition to her husband, William, and Valerie and David, Loretta is survived by her children, Kirt Barnett and his wife, April, and Tracy Barnett; grandchildren, Heidi, Kaley and Mason Barnett and Tyler and Grant Underwood; brother, Robert Hoyt; sister, Connie Hoyt Garrett; sister-in-law, Madonna Hoyt; and nieces and nephews and their families. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233

LORETTA BARNETT

May 18, 1932 - December 11, 2009