Angelique Renee (Vanek) Barnett

Angelique Renee Barnett, 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. Angelique’s strength, humor, and deep love for those around her made her a truly unforgettable presence. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and laughter that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

Angelique was born on March 10, 1961, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She grew up with a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life—good food, great conversations, and the comfort of home.

Angelique retired after 35 years of dedicated work at Salina Regional Health Center, where she served as a Production Lead in the food service department. She took pride in her work and the community she served. Though her well-earned retirement was sadly cut short by illness, Angelique still managed to face each day with grace, often saying with a touch of humor, “This is not how I wanted to spend my retirement.”

Angelique loved life, chicken, and chocolate—and she meant that quite literally. She often joked that when she died, she would want her ashes mixed into a giant vat of Hershey’s chocolate. She had a passion for reading romance novels, catching up on her soap operas, and enjoying girls’ nights out with her close friends. She adored animals, especially her two beloved dogs, Boba and Onyx, and she spent countless hours watching the birds at the bird feeder out the front window of her home.

Angelique is survived by her husband, Jerald “Rob” Barnett; her children, Heather Barnett, Mariah (Myranda) Barnett, and Adam Barnett; and her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn Martin and Thatcher Barnett. She is also survived by her mother, Lorraine Vanek; her sister, Monique Keith; and her in-laws, Michael Keith, Ron Kramer, Jane Kramer, and Pamela Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward S. Vanek, and her in-laws, Peggy and Melvin Waldroup.

Angelique’s family will forever miss her fierce loyalty, sharp wit, and the quiet but powerful love she gave so freely. She asked for a sorrowful funeral—one that honors her life with honesty and heart—and her family will lovingly carry out that wish. Her spirit will live on in every shared memory, every inside joke, and every chocolate bar enjoyed in her honor.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:30 am at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in honor of Angelique’s beloved granddaughter, Kaitlyn ("Kaity") Martin—a cause close to Angelique’s heart.