Ethelyn Marie Barnett

Ethelyn Marie (McCauley) Barnett was born in Fort Worth, TX on July 21, 1946 and gained her wings on August 12, 2024.  She was the daughter of Leona (McClaskey) and Cleyburn McCauley, and though she was born in Texas, she was raised in Oklahoma and always thought of Tulsa as her hometown.

After graduating from Rogers High School, Ethelyn went on to attend Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

On February 2, 1974 Ethelyn married John Ellsworth Barnett in Tulsa, OK, and they embarked on 50 years of marriage.  They brought two daughters into the world – Courtney Leigh Barnett and Casey Marie Barnett, who she actively encouraged and promoted their interests.

Ethelyn and her family also spent 5 years living in Walnut Creek, CA where they made every effort to experience all the good the San Francisco Bay Area had to offer before moving to Yukon, OK, where Ethelyn and John lived for the last 30 years.  Ethelyn enjoyed being closer to her roots and the extended family that meant so much to her.

Ethelyn had a skill for organizing events and programs and, more importantly, encouraging the best in her friends and family.  She brought people together to fundraise for a number of causes, including the Tulsa Philharmonic and Tulsa Youth Symphony.  She organized shows and competitions, such as being the show secretary for 3-day events at Hill & Hound Farms in IL and organizing and promoting the Oklahoma City Boat Club race committee for a number of years.  She directed dinner theater plays at the Dale Robertson Center and organized crawfish boils for the OCBC Handicap Fleet.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of Ethelyn's impact.  She took a vested interest in those who crossed her path and sought to listen and understand their stories.  Ethelyn's face lit up with joy at seeing friends and family and she effortlessly brought people out of their shells.

She made her friends through her many hobbies, including horseback riding, arts, crafts, and camping.  She was a member of many organizations including the D.A.R., the Oklahoma City Boat Club, The Tulsa Phil, the Yukon Art League and many more.

Ethelyn loved to see the world and took opportunities to travel throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and numerous US states.  Though she loved them all, her favorite vacation spot was always Key West, FL.  She spent much of her youth visiting her Aunt Agnes Reardon on the island and made sure to pass on her love of Key West to her family.

Ethelyn was preceded into the next experience by her parents; her brother, Leonard McCauley; and many loving cousins and friends.  She left behind her husband John; daughters, Courtney and Casey; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that were as close as family.

This wonderful woman also leaves behind a legacy of selfless service and an example of investing her efforts into improving what she could within her experience.

She trusted God to lead her path throughout her life and we let her go, knowing He is guiding her on to more glory than this world could provide.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ethelyn M. Barnett at the Oklahoma City Boat Club, 9101 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, August 23rd.  Feel free to come prepared to find joy in all the memories Ethelyn left behind.

Flowers can be sent to Yanda and Son Funeral Home, 1500 W. Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK.