Lena Mae Barrett

1924 - 2008

Lena was born in Elkland, Missouri on April 28, 1924 and passed away suddenly on March 30, 2008. She missed her 84th birthday by one month. She was the youngest of eight children born to William Lee and Ada Jane Gower. She grew up living on a farm with no electricity and had to pump water from a well. It was so much fun traveling with her and her niece, Doris, this last fall and having them talk about family, friends and how things were done as they were growing up. Lena moved to California in 1956 with six children ranging in age from 11 years old to 2 weeks eventually settling in Bakersfield where she lived for the rest of her life. It was tough but she raised all of single handed as there was no other family living here. She did lots of different jobs but mostly taking care of numerous children including some of her grandkids. We didn't have much but we sure never went without. Lena attended Valley Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed listening to Roger's sermons on Sunday and watching him on television Saturday nights. She also enjoyed listening to gospel music at church and home, going visiting with her friends to the convalescent homes, Helping Hands and growing flowers around the house. She wasn't able to do as much in the last few years but loved what she could do and loved all the ladies in her Sunday School class. They were all very special friends to her. Lena is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John, Russell, Kelly and Alvin Gower; sister, Pauline Jocham; son, Jerry Houston; daughter, Linda Barrett and stepgrandson, Eric Howard. She is survived by brother, Hubert (Deloris) Gower of Springfield, MO; sister, Vivian (Clyde) Lee of Galt, CA; children, Danny (Joyce) Houston of Louisville, KY, Debbie (Ed) Touchtone of Valencia, CA, David (Brenda) Barrett and Mary (George) Ramirez of Bakersfield; grandkids, David P. (Angela) Houston, Scott (Andrea) Houston, Todd (Melissa) of Louisville, KY, Melissa (Iain) Charlton of Orlando, FL, Diana (Richard) Gonchar of Modesto, CA, Carrie Turner, Joseph Ramirez, Sheri (Scott) Fuson, Matthew (Tammy) Howard, Clint Howard, all of Bakersfield, David W. Houston and Jennifer Houston. She had 18 great- grandkids and numerous other family members. Mom, we will miss our Sunday visits, your sweet and loving face and even the look when you were angry with us. You put up a good fight but it is now time for you to rest. WE LOVE YOU. Services will be held on Friday, April 4th, 10:00 a.m., at Valley Baptist Church (4800 Fruitvale Ave.) in the multipurpose room with burial following at Greenlawn Cemetery on River Blvd. Lena Mae Barrett Apr. 28, 1924 - Mar. 30, 2008 Kern River Family Mortuary-Oildale