Kaye F Barnett

Dateline: Beloit, Kansas

Kaye Francis Barnett, 91, passed away on March 18, 2026 at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, KS.

Kaye was born on August 3, 1934 in Alton, IL. to Benjamin F. and Catherine S. (Baker) Staten. She married Marion “Pete” Barnett in Wood River, IL. on April 11, 1987. He preceded her in death.

Kaye’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, her community, and her many passions. She was a long time member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IL. She enjoyed playing bingo, and scrapbooking.

Kaye graduated from Ursuline Academy in Kirkwood, Missouri, embarking on a career that reflected her compassion and work ethic. She worked as a Nurses Aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alton, IL until her retirement in 1987. Kaye was proud to be a part of the Staten family, honoring their history of the Alton community and demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit each Christmas by setting up a booth for Hickory Farms, where she consistently outperformed others in the region with their sales. Later, she found joy working in the kitchen and housekeeping at Ringneck Ranch, where guests particularly appreciated her warm hospitality.

A woman of endearing personality, Kaye was known for her genuine friendliness and warmth– she “did not know a stranger.” Her travels included memorable trips to Europe. She relished experiences that broadened her horizons, always delighting in new sights and knowledge, never failing to make new friends.

Kaye’s life was enriched by her residence in Orlando, Florida, for nearly a decade, during which she and Pete enjoyed frequent visits to Disney World parks, the Space Center and various sightseeing adventures such as the Strawberry Festival. She took immense pride in her children and their families.

Kaye is survived by her children, Debra Houghton from Tipton, Kansas, Kimberly Lathrom of Jacksonville, Illinois., Dreanalee (Mike) McClurg of Meriden, Kansas, and stepson Kent (Margaret) Barnett of East Alton, Illinois.; grandchildren, Cory Lathrom (Heather), Nathan McClurg, Emalee (Eric) Tate, Steven (Rachel) Barnett, Alan (Liz) Barnett, Joe (Cheri) Shaw, Nikki Shaw, Stephanie Shaw, and Joshua Shaw. Her great-grandchildren Jett Tate, Jersey Tate, Leo Barnett, Tyren Burris, Rickey Shaw, Joey Shaw, Payton Shaw, Maycie Shaw along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her children; Clarence "Butch" Shaw, Dennis Shaw, Donna Campbell, Joe Shaw, Rickey Shaw, and Ronnie Shaw; son-in-law Keith Houghton, her brothers James “Jim” Staten; Richard “Dick” Staten; and sisters Evelyn “Effie” Costello and Verna Mae Woodson. She was also predeceased by her granddaughter Shawna Shaw; grandsons Rick Shaw and Jeffery Shaw. Previously she was married to Norville Lathrom and Clarence J Shaw who are since deceased.

Kaye Barnett’s enduring legacy is one of kindness, family devotion, and community service. Her friendly spirit, strength, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will be held on March 26, 2026 9:00 am till 10:30 am at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 26, 2026 at 11:00 am Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IL.

Burial will take place at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton, IL.

Memorials can be made to 5A’s- Alton Area Animal Aid Association, 4530 N Alby St, Godfrey, IL 62035 or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 519 E 4th St, Alton, IL 62002.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Ringneck Ranch in Tipton, Kansas. Details will be announced when available.