Virginia M. Patzer Barnhart, 92

Published 3:26 pm Monday, October 29, 2012

Born: Jan. 15, 1920

Died: Oct. 25, 2012

Virginia M. Patzer Barnhart, 92, of Eagle Lake, Edwardsburg, passed to her rest Oct. 25, 2012 while living at Brentwood of Niles.

Virginia’s health was a study under the direction of Columbia University for “essential tremors.”

Virginia was born Jan. 15, 1920 in Keeler in Van Buren County, the daughter of Henry and Matilda (Schieber) Peters and has lived in the Edwardsburg area most of her life.

Virginia was active in the area in many events. She was a participating member of the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, having been an elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher.

She was active with the Scouts, being a Den Mother for seven years to the Cub Scouts. Early in her career, she worked at a dress shop, Sally Frocks, in downtown South Bend. However, she was known for over 28 years as office manager for Dr. Thomas J. Rea, M.D. of Edwardsburg.

She was a member of the former Delta Theta Chi Sorority.

Virginia was married in 1967 by Rev. Ogle in Edwardsburg to Richard E. Barnhart, who survives with her children, Denise (Mark Anthony) Patzer-Taylor of Jamaica, Ron (Kathy) Patzer of Niles, Edward (Patty) Patzer of Edwardsburg and her husband’s children David Barnhart of South Bend, Danny Barnhart of South Bend and Lynnette Stutsman.

There are 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She has two surviving brothers, Dwight Peters of Watervliet and Wilson Peters of Hartford.

Family who have passed away are her parents, her husband’s son, Andrew Barnhart, two grandchildren, Daniel Barnhart Jr. and Stacy Lannan, as well as a sister Ruth Shannon and a brother Clarence Peters.

Family and friends gathered Sunday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 W. Main St. (U.S. 12) Edwardsburg. The Service of Remembrance was Monday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. in the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church with Rev. Scott Scheel, pastor, officiating.

There will be one hour of visitation at the church before the service Monday. Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens on M-51 North, Niles.

Memorial donations may be made to the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church, 68961 Lake St., Edwardsburg, MI 49112 or to the choice of the donor.