Melva Torson Barnett, 62, died on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Hays
Medical Center in Hays. On October 9, 1958, the Lord sent down a
caregiving angel born to Vernon and Mary Alice (Teeters) Torson. She
married Steven Barnett on February 11, 1977, at Dighton.
Melva graduated from Dighton High School in 1977. She started working
at Lane County Long Term care right out of high school, where she
devoted her time taking care of others. She then started a lawn
business in 1992. During this time she continued to care for the
elderly in the community. In 1999 she started working at the Lane
County Health Department. She was a loyal caregiver to many community
members. She was well known in the community and very outgoing. She
was known by several friends as “Mama Melva”.
She is survived by her Husband- Steven, Son- Tod (Abby) Barnett of
Brewster, Daughter-In-Law- Veronica Kennon of Chandler, Texas, Brother-
Victor (Crysta) Torson of Crookston, Nebraska, Sister- Beverly (Lester)
Bockelman of Dighton, 4 Grandchildren- Hunter Barnett, Brady Barnett,
Rayah Barnett and Harley Kennon and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Son- Vernon Barnett, Grandson-
Harrison Barnett, 5 Brothers- Vern Torson, Jr., Marty Torson, Tony,
Torson, Billie Jo Torson, & Rickey Torson and 2 Sisters- Mary Jane
Travis and Dixie McLendon.
Funeral Service will be at 3:00 PM Friday at First Christian Church in
Dighton with Rev Randy Barnett officiating. Burial will be in Dighton
Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursday
and 9:00 AM to Noon Friday at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. In
lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Dighton Food Bank or JOY
Center in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com