Doris Jean Barnes, 87, of Bakersfield, CA, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2020. Doris was born in Chatsworth, California on February 17, 1932. She was preceded in death by her husband Kendall Barnes; parents, DeWitt and Helen Mattson; brothers, Roy Mattson and Donald Mattson, and twin sister Phyllis McClure and husband Bob. She is survived by her son, Earl Barnes and wife Carolyn; two grandchildren, Ethan and Emily Barnes; youngest sister, Christine Bruhn and husband John; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Mattson and Jackie Mattson; and many other loving family members.
Doris and her family moved to the small farming community of Buttonwillow, California in 1937. This was the time of the Great Depression, and life was very difficult and disheartening, but the family did the best they could and established a family farm. In 1950, Doris met Kendall at Bakersfield College when they accidentally bumped into each other. Inseparable, they both finished their college degrees and got married in 1952. In 2012, Doris and Kendall celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
In 1957, Doris began working for the U.S. Government – Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. During her career, she had the opportunity to assist many farmers in Kern County. After reaching the position of Chief Program Assistant, she retired in 1988 with over 31 years of service. After retirement, Doris began a new career in the field of mental health care. She was an extremely passionate caregiver for over 14 years to those with mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Doris truly loved her family, and she was always there for them with words of wisdom and an open ear. She was especially proud of her grandchildren Ethan and Emily. Doris always greeted her family and friends with a hug and a huge smile on her face, despite the health struggles she endured towards the end of her life. She will be remembered for her loving heart and her warm smile.
Doris was a true animal lover, keeping a faithful house cat by her side at all times. As a child growing up on the family farm in Buttonwillow, she cared for up to 26 cats, many of whom became good mousers. Another one of her true passions was gardening; to say she had a green thumb would be an understatement. Every year, Doris would make sure to have a garden full of colorful and fragrant flowers, as well as fruits and vegetables including grapes, oranges, tomatoes, onions, squash, and more. She also enjoyed, reading, writing short stories, drawing, sewing, seashell and rock collecting, fishing, tent camping at Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, and spending time with her family. She will truly be missed.
Doris was a life-long member of the following organizations: Order of the Eastern Star - Bakersfield chapter #125, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America – Atarah Court No. 56, and The First United Methodist Church.
Her family wishes to thank the staff at Pacifica Senior Living Bakersfield for the loving care Doris received for the last several years. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC). A private family-only service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 1:00pm.
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