Dorothy Susan Barnett

Dorothy was born April 23, 1931 in Lorain, Ohio to Michael and Vera Tkacs. She grew up in the Elyria, Ohio area and graduated from Elyria high School. Dorothy went to college at Murray State University in Kentucky graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music in January 1952 and a Masters of Arts in Education in July 1954. Dorothy would go on to teach Music in several schools in the United States before becoming a teacher with the Department of Defense serving American dependents of servicemen stationed at military bases overseas. Dorothy taught at schools in Japan, France, and Germany.

It was in Germany that she met Lt. James R. Barnett of New Home, Texas. They married on June 15, 1963 in Lorain, Ohio. Dorothy faithfully served the military as a proud Army wife moving with her husband all over the United States and Germany until James’ retirement in 1981. James and Dorothy retired to Lubbock and lived here until her death.

After moving to Lubbock, Dorothy resumed her teaching career and taught many students at New Home Elementary School, Hodges Elementary School, and Christ the King Cathedral School.

Not only did Dorothy teach and inspire students, Dorothy herself had a love of music. Throughout her life, Dorothy played the violin, viola, and piano. At various times in her life, she played with orchestras, played for various church services, sang with choirs, and gave individual music lessons. She loved attending symphonies, going to the opera and ballets, and following the careers of local artists.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by two sisters, Lillian Fildes and Evelyn Webber, both of Elyria, Ohio; her daughter, Susan Barker of Brandon, Mississippi and her son, William M. Barnett of Lubbock. Dorothy has three grandsons and one great-grandson.

Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.