Martha Rae Barnes

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Southside United Methodist Church
Batesville, AR  72501
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
11:00 am
Cemetery
Kyler Cemetery
Kyler Road
Batesville, AR  72501
Martha Rae Barnes

of Herndon, VA

August 1, 1932 - June 28, 2017

Martha Rae Barnes, 84, former Chief of Psychology at McClelland VA Hospital in Little Rock and Fort Roots VA Hospital in North Little Rock, died Wednesday, June 28th in Herndon, Virginia.
Dr. Barnes received her Ph.D. as one of the first students in the Psychology Doctoral program at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and began working for the Veterans' Administration to serve America's veterans. She served the VA for 30 years, not only as Chief of Psychology in Little Rock, but her southern charm and unwavering work ethic led her to an appointment as the Deputy Director of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences for the Veterans' Administration serving in Washington D.C. where she remained until the time of her retirement.
Dr. Barnes was a strong and determined woman who served as a role model leader for numerous successful women, including her daughter Laura, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of two books; her daughter Terri, a brilliant artist with a Doctorate in Psychology from Duke University; and her niece, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
Martha Rae Barnes was born August 1, 1932 to Les Rutledge and Ona Lou Dunphy at her Grandmother Pearson's house in Floral, a small town in Independence County, Arkansas, and graduated as Valedictorian of Batesville High School in 1949. Dr. Barnes was a studious, outgoing young woman who loved to dance, ride horses, and enjoy life. She had an infectious smile which served her well throughout her life. Upon retirement, she became an avid NASCAR fan following the surge to stardom of Batesville-native Mark Martin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gerald W. Barnes, and stepson, Raymond Barnes.
She is survived by two daughters; Laura Sessions-Stepp (Carl) of Virginia and Teresa Kramer (Tom) of Maryland; two stepdaughters, Laura Grimes (Tom) of Texas and Theresa Lynn Palanjian (Shant) of Oregon; three grandchildren, Jennifer Kramer of Chicago, Jeff Stepp of Virginia, and Kimberly Gottfried (Bobby) of Maryland; a sister, Ann Suchecki (Ted) of California; a brother, Keith Rutledge (Nancy) of Maumelle, AR; half-brother, Mark Rutledge (Karen) and half-sister, Mary McGinty (Carl) of Independence County, AR.
Memorial Service to be held at Southside United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 at 11am. Interment to follow at Kyler Cemetery in Independence County, AR. Arrangements made by Roller-Crouch Funeral Services of Batesville, AR.

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2 Condolence(s)
Norma Newton
Bryant, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 4, 2017

I had the privilege to work closely with Dr. Barnes, both Rae and Jerry at the VA in Little Rock. She was a wonderful woman and an excellent example of a psychologist who always seemed to have her patients' best interest at heart. She had a remarkable sense of humor and was a willing partner in schemes to acts of humor.
I loved being with her as a friend and coworker.

Martha Carolyn and Rusty Leonard
Gallatin, TN
Liked
Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Dear Keith and Nancy,
We are so sorry to learn of Martha Rae's passing. She
was an extraordinary woman and I know she was loved
and will be missed by many. I know there has been much for you both to deal with recently. Our prayers are with you always.

Martha and Rusty