Barbara J Putney

Barbara June Purcell Putney, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep in her granddaughter’s home on Sunday November 6th, 2022. Barbara was born on June 24th, 1936 to her mother Merle Purcell and her father Clarence Purcell. She was the only child. Barbara excelled in everything she did; she did exceptional in school then went on to her one and only marriage to Herman G. Putney. She had her first child Darrell Glen Putney and Wesley Putney shortly after. Then her family moved to Washington State and had another son Michael Vern Putney. Last but not least, she finally got her little girl Katherine Roseanne Putney. She worked in many jobs when she could while her husband drove over 48 states working for Dart. They moved all over the U.S. until she said “no more” in Diana, Texas. Barbara then went through a hard divorce with Herman in 1974. She worked 2-3 jobs at a time during this hardship in her life. She moved to Longview, Texas to look forward to becoming a grandmother to her daughter and daughter-in-law. Which one would give birth first? Tracy Lynn Putney decided she was going to be first born, then Gerald Ray Putney was born. Shortly afterwards, Barbara moved to Lakeport, Texas. She found a country home off I-20 between Lakeport and Kilgore, Texas. She was caring for her granddaughter Tracy during this time and finally found her home to buy at 124 Melanie Lane where she would raise Tracy and love and cherish all the grandkids. Even her step-grandkids who she never favored any less than her grandkids. She finally found her passion, working at the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. 19 ½ years were devoted to the postal service until 1999, when she and Tracy got into a bad car wreck. To where she would have to retire 6 months shy from full retirement. Since then she would have a near death experience due to a stroke. From then she had to completely give up on working and enjoy her plants, producing trees, her rose bushes and her love for her dogs. February 9th, 2019, she had three strokes back to back and ended up at the Willows in Kilgore for rehab. Tracy found her shortly after and moved Barbara into her home where she stayed until the end. Her and Tracy were both inseparable and never left each other’s side. Towards the very end Barbara told Tracy “I’m sorry for leaving all the dirty laundry for you Tracy.” Tracy then told her “Hey grandma, when you’re ready to check out, we are going to check out together and leave all our dirty laundry behind for who gets it.” Barbara just thought that sounded great and just laughed anytime Tracy would mention it.

Barbara is survived by her sidekick since day one, Tracy Putney. Her children Katherine Putney of Marshall, TX, Wesley Putney of Charles City, IA, Michael Putney of Marshall, TX. Grandkids Jerry Putney, Mikey Putney, Michelle Putney, Jessica Putney, Tiffany Northcutt, Zachary Northcutt, Shelby Putney, Katelynn Putney, Garrett Putney, Letasha Wilson, Josh Wilson, Tara Sparks, Chrystal Winfrey, Heather Makey-Putney, Amber Putney, Nathan Putney, and numerous great-grandchildren. The Putney Family up north, her beloved dogs “Chippers, Leggs, Jersey, Fluffy aka Destiny”

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband (the love of her life until the end), her son Darrell Putney, grandchild Jesse Wilson, and daughter-in-law, Angie Putney.

Tracy would like to give a special thanks to: The Premier Home Health ladies Ashley, Kristian, and beyond Vera for all of their care and love that was given to Barbara. As well as to Jarrad Physical Therapy, Stephanie P.T. and Shay P.T. and the young gentleman Cody Tabor who showed heart for the comfort of Barbara until the end. Every one of these people have gone above and beyond their job to be a good comfort to her. Thank you so much for everything y'all did for her. Also, a special thanks to Sherry, Boone, and Pat, her best friends from the Post Office. Mary Jackson and her son, and Bear and Sheila, her neighbors in Lakeport who cared and watched over her.

"We know that we can't have you but we're happy knowing that the angels have finally got you back. Goodbye to a wonderful woman and a beautiful mother."

"Grandma, you are in my thoughts and prayers every single day. I cannot put into words how much I will miss you but I know that you are going to a place much better than here, where you will be treated like the angel that you are. I love you Grandma!"