Obituary of LaVene "Blanche" Barnes

LaVene "Lee" Barnes, 90, passed away January 19, 2009 following a courageous battle with diabetes and vascular disease. Although in great pain, she always had a smile and a sense of humor, taking great pleasure just spending time with her family. Born in Summerfield, Ohio she resided in Springfield Township most of her life. She worked at Goodyear Aerospace during World War II and then at Goodyear Tire and Fritsch's Bakery, but was a devoted mother after the birth of her children. She was a wonderful, loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a strong faith in God and was a faithful member of the Brown Street Church of Christ. A special thanks to Dr. Dennis Wright and the staff of the Hospice Care Center of Fairlawn for their compassionate kindness and loving care. LaVene was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Grace Stephen; brothers, Glenn, Kenneth, Paul and Cecil Stephen; and sisters, Betty Kinzel and Jerry Fasick. She is survived by her loving caregiver and husband of 61 years, Richard; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dan Richards; son, Rick; granddaughter and husband, Linda and Joe Seiler; great-grandsons, Nicholas and Joshua; sister-in-law, Ernestine Stephen; and nieces and nephews. Calling hours are TODAY, January 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 South Main Street in Akron. Funeral services will be SUNDAY, January 25 at 2 p.m. at the Brown Street Church of Christ, 1835 Brown Street, Akron, Ohio with Bob Dickey officiating. Private burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. (Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com )