Aug. 17, 1937-April 2, 2016
Barbara Barnett, a long time resident of Laguna Beach, passed away at home Saturday, April 2, 2016. Barbara was born Aug. 17, 1937, in Middletown, Ohio, to Issac and Bessie Burkhardt. While Barbara was very young her mother passed away and Barbara became part of the Catherine Ramsey family and gained another brother, Larry, in the arrangement.
Barbara spent her early years in Ohio, Chicago and Los Angeles before settling in Laguna Beach.
In 1983 the artist in Barnett came forth when she created and patented a unique handmade earring and founded Barbara Barnett’s Hooker Earrings. Hooker earrings has been in continuous operation with Barnett and her longtime business partner Alejandra Velazquez, and they were annual exhibitors at the Sawdust summer and winter festivals.
Barnett and her dog Benji were very much a part of the downtown scenery and could be seen collecting ocean debris from Main Beach most mornings.
Barnett was the youngest of nine and the only girl. She is survived by brothers, Millard Burkhardt, Jesse Burkhardt and George (Johnny) Wyatt. Barnett was predeceased by Ed Burkhardt, Frank Roberts, James Roberts, Thomas Burkhardt, and Harold Burkhardt.
Barnett had lasting ties to the artistic community and lived a full and happy life.
Memorial gifts may be made to ocean conservancy. A celebration in memory of Barnett will be held on May 1 at the Hotel Laguna, 2-4 p.m.
