Mary Barnett

Mary Barnett, 97, of Richland Center died on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Schmitt Woodland Hills with her family by her side. Mary was born on August 16, 1928, in the family home on Kinder Street in Richland Center, the daughter of Ernest and Ester Soltwedel. She was the fifth and youngest child in the family.
In 1946, Mary graduated from Richland Center High School. She moved to Madison and worked for a year as a secretary before she met and married Charles Barnett. The couple wed on December 5, 1948, after 9 months of courtship. Mary and Charles worked on their family dairy farm in Twin Bluffs and began their own family and didn't stop until there was 8 children. Mary was a dedicated mother. She managed 16 years of cloth diapers and 3 meals a day for 8 hungry children.
In 1963, Mary became a CNA at Pine Valley Manor. There she discovered her love of nursing and caring for people. Mary went on to nursing school, graduating from Madison General Nursing School in 1974. Mary cared for patients at the Richland Center Hospital and later at UW-Madison Neuro Rehab; earning a certification in rehabilitation. After her retirement at the age of 73, Mary worked part-time at Spring Green Valley Nursing Home for another 10 years.
Mary was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and read daily devotions until her eyesight failed as she grew older. She attended vespers, prayer services, and masses at Schmitt Woodland Hills, steadily growing in her faith, pushing her walker to the chapel.
Mary was a committed member of Al-Anon. She cherished their friendships, support and their guidance. In times of hardship, Mary would return to their logo, and her faith, "Let go, and let God."
Mary will be remembered for her strength and kindness. She showed us how to persevere and grow throughout our lifetimes and in the end, to always say, "love you, love you, love you."
Mary is survived by her children:
Jim (Linda) Barnett of Richland Center,
Dan (Joanne) Barnett of Scottsdale, AZ,
Jane Barnett of Verona,
Nancy (Mark) Benkoske of Oshkosh,
Ellen (Lyle) Perry of Lakewood, CO,
Pat (Ilona) Barnett of Neuhof, Germany;
Daughters-in-law: Audrey Oliver of Twin Bluffs,
Liz Barnett of Rozet, WY;
16 grandchildren;
29 great-grandchildren;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Ester, husband Charles, sons Bill Barnett and Tom Barnett, son-in-law Dennis Stimart, brothers Harold and Author Soltwedel, and sisters Elaine Schmitt and Norma Wanless.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Richland Center, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass at 11:00 AM. The family suggests memorials in Mary's name be directed to Schmitt Woodland Hills or St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.