A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
From the Akron Beacon Journal, August 3, 2015:
Mary Alice Riley, 88, passed away on July 30, 2015 after a four-month battle with pneumonia. This feisty lady truly fought the good fight until the bitter end. Hopefully she is now resting comfortably somewhere high above her beloved state of Montana.Mary Alice (Barnum) as born in Kalispell, Montana on July 11, 1927 and grew up in the midst of sheep ranchers and bucking horse auctions.
Her life was an exciting one. In high school, she was Rosebud County Montana Spelling Bee Champion. She attended Stephens College (Columbia, Missouri) and went on to get her degree in Home Economics at U. of Colorado, Boulder, where she met her future husband, Matthew. Matthew and Mary Alice were married for 50 years until Matthew's death in 2000.
She eventually ended up in Kettering, Ohio (long story) where she raised her family of four children and developed many good friendships over the next 25 years. In time, she moved back to Whitefish, Montana where she and Matthew enjoyed the Flathead Valley for the next 18 years. Due to health issues, she moved to Akron (not necessarily voluntarily) and spent her last eight years here enjoying her family and new-found friends. She and her daughter-in-law, Michelle became inseparable buddies.
She loved her Barnum family reunions which were always held somewhere in a beautiful area of the Great American West. She never missed one. She loved flowers and gardening, particularly wildflowers, and would take a casual country drive anytime, anyplace. She taught her children and grandchildren to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. She loved her weekly gathering with her BFFs Barbara, Michelle, and Patti, to watch Dancing With the Stars. No talking during DWTS or meet the wrath of Mary Alice!
As a home economist, and long before it was popular, she perfected the concept of portion control. Much to the chagrin of her family, she truly believed that a can of soup could feed four and a head of broccoli could feed a family. A meal at the Riley's would certainly never leave on feeling full and bloated.
Bad behavior would trigger a response from Mary Alice that became affectionately known as "The Look". "The Look" was a glare with a furrowed eyebrow that could strike fear in the heart of the intended recipient, usually one of her children. It was frequently preceded by the words "Listen, Buster..." Even in her final week of life and feisty to the end, "The Look" surfaced several times.
In accordance with her wishes (which means do it or else) cremation has taken place and her ashes will be spread legally or not, around her beloved Flathead Valley, Montana. A celebration of her life (otherwise known as an Irish wake) will be held at a future date (to be determined) to celebrate the wonderful life and times of this interesting woman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Gladys Barnum; her sister, Evaliah, and her husband Matt (Vincer) Riley. She is survived by her sister, Margie Winship (Don), and her four children, Pat Sr. (Michelle), Mike, Timothy (aka "Timmer"), and Roxanne (Ron); and leaves behind 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Special thanks to her good friend and confidant (partner-in-crime) Barbara Humphrey for her companionship and heartfelt compassion during her prolonged illness. The family is very appreciative of the excellent medical care she received during her 14 weeks at Summa and Suma Rehab and especially Dr. Bob Baranek for is exemplary care. Her nursing care during her four weeks at the Ridgewood Road Akron General Hospice Center is a tribute to the nursing profession. These are very professional an caring people.
Enjoy the mountains, Mary Alice. We will miss you dearly.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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