Mary Belle (Johnston) Barner

SOUTH RENOVO - Mary Belle (Johnston) Barner, 92, formerly of 239 Pennsylvania Avenue, Renovo, passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 3rd, 2019.  Mary had recently been a resident at Bucktail Medical Center.

She was born on March 6, 1927 in Vandergrift and was the daughter of the late Farley O. and Winifred (Gardiner) Johnston.  Mary was united in marriage on February 12, 1949 to Michael J. Barner Jr. and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together until his death on August 9, 1995.

Mary actively supported her children and grandchildren in local school, parish and community activities.  She held numerous jobs throughout her life.   She loved the beautiful small town where she spent most of her life and was very proud to share it with others.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mary was a member of Saint Joseph Church.

Mary is survived by three daughters: Teresa (Robert) Rose of Rochester, MN, Mary Louise Hayfield and Michele (George) Simon of Renovo, five grandchildren;  Brandi (Rose) Patchen and her spouse Bryan of Buford, GA, Sherri (Rose) VerNooy and her spouse Dan of Clovis, NM, Corey Simon and his wife Vanessa of Leesburg, VA, Jenna Hayfield of Alexandria, VA and Joseph Simon and his wife Miranda of South Williamsport,  eight great-grandchildren; Lizzie, Robby, Katie and Andy of GA, Rachel of NM, Kylie and Ellarie of VA and Landry of PA, and one sister; Margaret Mosser of Fremont, OH.  Mary was especially blessed to have her nephew, William and his wife Joanne, share in her life as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and loving husband, Mary was preceded in death by three brothers; Harold, Robert and Harry and six sisters; Thelma Johnston, Betty Lou Johnston, Ethel Henderson, Annette Tumas, Dorothy Pletcher and Nellie Kocka.

The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors of Bucktail Medical Center for the care provided to Mary the past several months.  She really enjoyed the support and community there.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name can be made to Bucktail Medical Center Activity Fund, 1001 Pine St. or Saint Joseph Church Improvement Fund, 925 Huron Ave, Renovo, PA 17764.

Services for Mary will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hyner.

Arrangements are being handled by Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 Fifth Street, Renovo.