We are sad to announce the passing of Melveta Barnes of Quanah, Texas. Melveta was born on November 16, 1921, to Will and Mimia Jane Scott Gooding in Colbert, Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Ralph Barnes, on December 31, 1941, in Altus, Oklahoma. They settled in Quanah, Texas.

After moving to Hardeman County, her family farmed and raised livestock and poultry. Melveta was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She was a homemaker and loved her family, with special attention to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had numerous life-long friends and was loved and well-respected within the community. She worked as a dental assistant for over thirty years with Dr. Hobbs and retired with Dr. Baucum. Melveta was always active in sports, and, in her later years, kept herself fit by walking several miles every day, except Sunday.

Preceded in death by husband, Ralph Barnes of Quanah; son-in-law, Gene Crowder of Granbury; her parents, Will G. and Mimia Jane Scott Gooding; sister, Aubrey "Hob" Hamrick of Quanah; sister, Nancy Barbee of Goodlett; sister, Scottie Gates of Pampa; sister, Francis Lamb of Pampa; brother, Bill Gooding of Fort Worth, Texas; and, brother, Everett of Goodlett.

She is survived by daughter, Lanita Tidmore and husband, Jeff Tidmore, of Canyon, Texas; daughter, Marita Crowder of Granbury, Texas; son, Jimmy Barnes of Wichita Falls, Texas; and son, Gary Barnes of Eagle Nest, New Mexico; 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild in the oven.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Monday evening 6-7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial to the First Baptist Church of Quanah. 601 South Main Street, Quanah, Texas. 79252   Ph.  940-663-5331