Loretha Mae Barnett was born on November 5, 1971 and passed away on April 1, 2015. She was the youngest of nine children born to Sherman and Delois Barnett.

Loretha graduated from Morris High School (Okmulgee County) in 1990. From there, she attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, graduating with a degree in Social Work (BSW). One year later, she obtained a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Oklahoma. Although her social work career was relatively short, she was always proud of her work on behalf of mentally ill and terminally ill persons.

In 2000, Loretha obtained a law degree (JD) from the University of Oklahoma. She used her law degree mainly to work for state and federal judges. It was her law degree that took her around the world to Micronesia, a tiny island nation. She described her two years in Micronesia as "amazing" and "unforgettable." Her legal career also took her to Detroit, Michigan and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Loretha's main passions were reading and traveling. She loved meeting new people and experiencing new places.

She leaves to mourn her passing three sisters and five brothers:
Sherlene [Gerald] Harris, Ruby [Johnny Lee] Marshall, Sherman Barnett, Harvel [Cerita], Barnett, Freddie Lee Barnett, Johnny Charles Barnett, Jacquelyn Ann Barnett and Elgene Barnett. Also, Loretha adored several nieces, nephews and great nephews plus a host of relatives and friends.

Services for Ms. Barnett will be Saturday April 4, 2015 at 10AM in the Biglow's Chapel of Peace.

Friends may visit Loretha on Friday from 2PM until 6PM in Okmulgee.