Frances M. (Hockaday) Barnett, 91, of Hammond passed away Friday, October 7, 2011 at McKinley Court in Decatur.

Fran was born February 25, 1920 in Forsyth, the daughter of Harold and Nellie Hockaday. She married Paul Barnett on February 24, 1951 in Decatur. Fran served in the Women's Army Corps (WACS) during World War II. She worked at Kresge's, Mueller's, and General Electric in Decatur. Fran enjoyed reading, cooking, senior citizen bus trips, and evenings with her bunko club…but the joy of her life was spending time with her family and friends.

Fran was a joy to all who knew her. She was quick to share a kind word and smile with those she came in contact with. She will forever be in the thoughts and memories of her family and friends who loved her dearly.

Survivors include husband Paul; children Kathy Barnett-Vathakos of Fort Myers, Florida, Dan Barnett of Decatur, and Terry (Kelli) Barnett of Rockford; brothers Jack (Becky) Hockaday of Forsyth and Jim (Phyllis) Hockaday of Forsyth and sister-in-law Norma (Harold) Hockaday, Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren Kristen (Derek) Barnett-Evans of Forsyth, Brett Barnett of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Adam Barnett of Portland, Oregon, Jack Barnett of Portland, Oregon, Alecia Vathakos of Tampa, Florida, and Katie Barnett of Rockford; great grandchildren Brock and Cole Evans of Forsyth; step-grandchildren Olivia and Nick Scheibly of Maroa; and many loving nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; brothers Frank, Richard, and Harold, and sister Virginia.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at McKinley Court for their wonderful care and kindness extended to Fran during her time there.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, at Hilligoss-Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, Illinois, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to service time. Burial in Hammond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hammond United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor's choice.