Hattie Alberta Barnett-Klingensmith
October 29, 1907 ~ November 1, 2004
Resided in:
Canon City, CO
Hattie Alberta Barnett-Klingensmith of Canon City, 97, went home to be with her Lord, Monday, November 1, 2004. Hattie was born to the union of Frank and Mattie Lavene (Green) Byrd on October 29, 1907 in Newport, Arkansas and came to Colorado in 1924 along with her siblings after the death of their parents and older brother Frank, Jr. She was a little mother to her younger brothers until they married. Her brothers could do no wrong; she loved them all unconditionally. She was a very loving and giving person. She was always ready to help her family, both physically and financially. She was the family matriarch. Her bubbly personality, the sparkle in her eyes and her Southern hospitality will all be terribly missed by both family and friends.
Hattie learned early in her life from an older friend who mentored her in the field of antiques. She was an avid antique collector and dealer for over 70 years, right up to the time of her illness (a stroke) on September 26th. She also was an accomplished artist, which she acquired during her marriage to her husband of 51 years, Howard Barnett, who preceded her in death in 1984. Howard was a miner by trade for years, working in Cripple Creek where he painted in his free time. Hattie had 'Harriet's Antiques' on the main street of Cripple Creek for several years. When Howard's health began to fail, they moved in Penrose for several years and then to Canon City. They also had a home in Tucson, Arizona where they would spend the winter, from October to March or April, each year, until his death. Hattie returned every year until the Winter of 2003 when her health did not permit her returning to her beloved Tucson. Hattie was an amazingly strong person both in character and health. At 95 years, she beat West Nile Virus in July, 2003. She rebounded with all the strength of character she possessed her whole life. The number of friends she made during her life are too numerous to mention, and many have gone before her. Hattie loved her animals - dogs, cats, geese and chickens.
Hattie is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Howard Barnett; her parents, Frank and Mattie Byrd, Newport, Arkansas; brothers, Frank, Jr., Newport, Arkansas, Ernie (Louise) Byrd, Lidge (Marm) Byrd, Canon City, Kenneth Byrd, Colorado Springs, and Vaughn (Ada) Byrd, Pueblo; and nephew, Clinton Byrd, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Hattie is survived by her husband, David Klingensmith, of Canon City; step-children, Ray (Jewell) Klingensmith; children, Eric, Michelle, Sean, Thomas, Lindsey, Desire, and Pam Ribley of Colorado Springs; children, Cari, Robert, Jr., Jim (Jewel) Klingensmith, John Klingensmith, and Lydia Klingensmith, all of Colorado Springs. Also survived by several nieces and nephews, E. L. (Jennie) Byrd of Weed, California; Jim (Onie) of Vernal, Utah; Ermaneal Sweat and family of St. George, Utah; Earl E. (Butch) Byrd and family, Rick (Wanda) Byrd, Sam, Ernie, Alberta, and Frank Byrd of Canon City; Nova Porter, and Inez (Bob) Miller of Colorado Springs; Beverly (Ben) DeVrees and son of Alantic City, Wyoming; Cheryl (Rick) Hodges and family of Molene, Illinois; JoAnn Byrd Shipman and family of Downey, California; Donna Rae Byrd Marsh and family of Glendale, Arizona; Regina Byrd Harper and family, and Harlean (Jim) Hurt and family of Pueblo, Colorado; other nieces and nephews on Howard's side of the family and several great and great-great nieces and nephews; special friends, Tom Bouchard, Lucille and Harold Neece of Canon City, and others.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 6, 2004 at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel, 1317 North Main Street, Pueblo, Colorado (542-1552). Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Following the service at the graveside, family and friends are invited to a dinner to be served at the Fireside Room at Pueblo Christian Center, 1605 So. Pueblo Boulevard, Pueblo.
A special thanks to the caregivers from Canon City Hospice and Seniors, Inc. During Hattie's illness, and thanks for all who prayed and visited Hattie during her transition time into eternity. And at a time when there are no words to explain the family's gratitude for the love and concern that was expressed for our aunt and David's wife, 'Thank You' seems so inadequate. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Hattie was a very nice woman who was a gracious host whenever we would come and visit in Canon City or Tucson. She would take you around her home, showing you all the different things she had collected over the years, very proud of each item and the story behind it. I am glad to have known her as a step-daughter-in-law and I know she is in a better place now.