Thelma M. (Collins) Barney

Thelma M. Barney, 93, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Thelma was born in Burr Oak, May 3, 1924, to Vernon L. & ZelIa M. (Neaman) Collins. She was raised in Union City, where she was the 1942 salutatorian of her graduating class at Union City High School. She lived in Bellevue for a short period prior to moving to Battle Creek and has resided here since then. She was employed at the U. S. Post Office in Union City 1942 – 43, did secretarial work at Clark Equipment Company in Battle Creek 1943 – 1951 and has been a homemaker most of her life.
Thelma married Richard S. Barney, April 17, 1949, in Union City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, February 3, 2004; her parents and three half-sisters, Ilene Crafts, Lila Collins and Marie McAtee. Surviving are her two daughters, Sandra (Gregory) Pehrson & Debra (David) Tharp, two grandsons, Matthew Pehrson of Howell and Michael Tharp of Battle Creek; and several nieces and nephews.
She was member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Kool Family Community Center. She loved spending time with her family and was regarded as a good cook. Thelma was a true animal lover and was devoted to her cat, "Oreo".
Friends will be received by Thelma's family 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home. Memorial services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 12:00 Noon Friday, June 2, 2017
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.