Eleanor "Barney" Bratten's Obituary
October 17, 1920 – September 15, 2016 Eleanor (Barney) Barnard Bratten – the original Google, civic minded, football fan, & foody . Barney or Google as her husband Bob nicknamed her long before the invention of the Internet was born in Denver Colorado. She lived in 12 cities from coast to coast spending the majority of her life in Memphis and on the Bar B family ranch in Tolar, Texas. In Memphis Barney cofounded the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Memphis State’s chapter of Delta Gamma and started the first Angel Tree in the city. Even in her 90’s Barney as a member of the Martha Mary Circle visited elderly shut ins. In a phrase Barney lived her life for others. This was true on a family level as well. She was married to love of her life Robert (Bob Bob) for 68 years, had 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 10 great grand children along with her surrogate son (golden retriever) Sam and her caregiver and companion Elsie who were never far from her side. A football fanatic, Barney never missed an Ohio State (her alma mater)or Dallas Cowboys game. If there are televisions in heaven she’s sure to keep that record intact. Barney was active until the day she died emailing her children on her iPad until late that night and planning her monthly “over 90” bridge club luncheon. With a disdain for pineapple and a love for all things fried especially chicken and okra, she was a true Memphis foody. Living on Princeton Road in 1940s-1960s Barney had chickens, pigs, cattle, hawk, sheep and even a horse on the property. A life long member of Second Presbyterian Barney loved her Lord, served Him well and she now resides with Him. She leaves children David Bratten and wife Flora, Susan Ison and husband Mickey, Kathy Todd and husband Stuart. Grandchildren Rob Volmer, Jon Volmer, Elizabeth Deacon, Rebecca Hendrickson, and Anna Rutherford. Please join us for a graveside celebration of Barney’s life at Memorial Park Wednesday, September 21 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Salvation Army ARC on Whitten Road in Memphis.
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