In Memory of

Eleanor

L.

Barnett

Obituary for Eleanor L. Barnett

I will hold you in my heart until I hold you in Heaven.

It is with great sadness that the Barnett family shares the passing of Eleanor Louise Barnett on Saturday, December 12, 2020. While with us 94 years, Eleanor was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother. Born on February 8, 1926 in Spring Township, she was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Frances K. (Meyers) Brooks.

In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her first husband, Lee C. Gummo, in 1953, and by her second husband, Albert D. Barnett, in 1993. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Luther L. Brooks, in 2008, and by her sister, Dorothy J. Smith, in 2014.

Eleanor is survived by two children, daughter, Vickie L. Barnett of Pleasant Gap, son, Douglas S. Barnett and his wife, Bobbi, of Bellefonte, and granddaughter, Tracy L. Barnett of Georgia. Also surviving are her brother, Harold A. Brooks of Pleasant Gap, and her sister, Audrey L. Clouser of Lemont, as well as by her 15 nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was a 1943 graduate of Bellefonte High School. In 1944 she graduated from Pruonto’s Hair Design Institute in Altoona, receiving a license as a cosmetologist. For 48 years, Eleanor was employed as a talented beautician in Bellefonte, making many friends during her long career. She also enjoyed reacquainting with former classmates during high school class reunions for many years, including their final reunion in 2018.

Eleanor loved her family dearly and cherished her time spent with them. She was a kind and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, who always put her family’s needs before her own. Eleanor was an excellent cook, meticulous housekeeper, and talented home decorator. She was always proud of her children’s and granddaughter’s accomplishments. Her family is grateful for Eleanor’s unconditional and unwavering love and support. She was an example of patience, kindness, and generosity throughout our lives. Eleanor will be forever loved and remembered by her family, with whom she was always very close.

Eleanor had a deep and abiding faith in God. In her earlier years, she was a member of the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church. Later, she became a longtime and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte. Eleanor was a member of the Win-One Class, as well as taught Bible School and Sunday School classes.

It was Eleanor’s joy to help others, filling her life with volunteer activities. She assisted with church community meals, bazaars, and fundraisers. Eleanor volunteered with the Red Cross and assisted with her children’s Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. She volunteered as a beautician at Centre Crest for many years. As a Centre Crest Auxiliary member, she enjoyed working with others to raise funds for the benefit of the residents. Eleanor also arranged and delivered vases of flowers to residents’ rooms, which always brought a smile to their faces.

Eleanor will always be remembered for her boundless energy, witty humor, generosity, and above all, for her beautiful smile that would light up a room. She was a true gift to her family and will also be dearly missed by her many friends and neighbors. Those who loved her will hold her close in their hearts and will cherish her memory forever. In her passing, she leaves a legacy.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories...” - Ronald Reagan

There will be a public viewing held on Monday, December 21, 2020, from 10-11am, at Trinity United Methodist Church, at 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte. Funeral Services will be held at 11am, at the church with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Graveside services will follow at Centre County Memorial Park in State College. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eleanor’s memory to Trinity United Methodist Church at 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.