Chelyne Anne Barney

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Chelyne Anne Barney 1949 – 2015

A memorial service for Chelyne Anne Barney, 66, will be held in the chapel of Edmond’s Matthews Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on August 3rd, 2015. Her cremains will be interred in the Barney family plot at Edmond’s Gracelawn Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. She was born July 19, 1949, and died on July 29th, 2015, at the family’s Edmond home.

Chelyne was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2005. Even so, her unique spirit and vivacious personality gave her the strength to defy the odds. She continued to enjoy her favorite activities for 10 years following her initial diagnosis. She was surrounded by an unwavering support network of friends, family and physicians that helped carry her through every chemotherapy imaginable, rarely if ever complaining or asking “Why me?” Her will to live, faith in God and refusal to give up will always be remembered. She was an inspiration to those around her and will be greatly missed.

Chelyne was born on July 19, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, to John Haesle and Marise Haesle, who predeceased her. She grew up in Wausau, WI as the oldest of four children. While her Mom and Dad tended to the family grocery store business, Chelyne was always a willing caregiver for her siblings. They remember her as a gorgeous red head with a temper to go with it, and a flair for style she developed at an early age. The family later moved to Pampa, TX and opened an A&M Root Beer Stand where all of the siblings worked. A graduate of Pampa High School in the late 60’s, she adored The Beatles. She graduated from West Texas State University in the early 70’s.

Chelyne moved to Edmond, OK from San Antonio, TX in 1980. Along with being a dedicated homemaker and mother she was active at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, played local competitive tennis and worked for several years in the Oak Tree tennis pro shop.

Chelyne later went back to school in the early 90’s and finished her Masters degree in Speech Therapy at the University of Central Oklahoma. She became a licensed speech therapist and counselor, and worked in both the Stroud and Chandler school systems.  It is not uncommon even now to come across somebody whose child was helped by Chelyne in one way or another.

Chelyne loved her work, her students and her family and friends deeply. Her ability to care for others seemed infinite, asking family and friends what she could do for them up until her last moments.

Chelyne had many hobbies and activities, and a deep love for dogs and cats, taking many of both into her home over the years. She was always active in one way or another, from tennis, skiing and running, to Pilates, yoga and, in later life, traveling. She was always moving, always energetic and always looking forward to each day.

Chelyne and Bryan Barney married July 13, 2001, and made their home in Edmond. She is survived by her husband, Bryan Barney, of the home; her son Jordan Flaniken, wife Megan and son Sam of Edmond; three step-children, Aaron Barney and Laura Barney of Edmond; Jennifer French, husband Corey and children John and Kalia of Kihei, Hi; two brothers, John Haesle and wife Lelet of Pampa, Tx; David Haesle and wife Carol of Argyle, Tx; sister Irene Chomicki and husband Joe of Waxahachie, Tx, and mother-in-law Marjorie Anderson of Edmond. Also by Molly, Chelyne’s therapy dog and beloved companion for 10 years, and by Snowy the cat, a.k.a. Noey.

There were many friends, neighbors and family members that came to Chelyne’s aid, but the family would especially like to thank Lelet Haesle and David Haesle for their loving care throughout her last days; Dr. Michael J. Keefer, oncologist; the staff at Mercy Hospital Cancer Care Center for their constant, attentive and many times inventive treatments; Mercy Hospice; St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Edmond’s Matthews Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in Chelyne’s name at www.bcrfcure.org.

8 thoughts on “Chelyne Anne Barney”

  1. Sharon and Jim Judd

    May you find consolation in knowing that others care. Please remember that your loss is shared by those who care and understand.

    May God’s love give you strength during your time of sorrow. Sharon and I are sharing your sorrow for the loss of Chelyne. We both love Chelyne and she holds such a special place in our hearts and in our lives.

  2. Donna Price

    Family, I am so sorryto hear of chelyne’ passing. chelyne was loved by so many My son zach and l loved her dearly.
    She was zach’s speech teacher for many, many years & did she so much for him.
    They had a special Bond he looked to her not only his teacher but as a mentor and Friend.
    When I saw her at the hospital in June, by chance. she reached out to hug me and the first thing she asked was ” how is Zach” ?
    That was her always thinking of others!!!

  3. I haven’t seen Cheylyne in 30 plus years. I feel compelled to share my feelings. Cheylyne is not one easily forgotten. She always had an air of acceptance, love and compassion. I’ve missed not being a part of her life over the years. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. Cheylyne was truly an angel here on earth. My Thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends as they mourn this loss. May peace be with you.

  4. I would like to extend my deep sympathy. During this time, it is especially important to draw close to God thru prayer. Reflect on God’s promise to comfort and sustain you as you throw your burden on him. (Psalm 55:22)

  5. Dennis Bookout

    I had the pleasure to work with Chelyne. She was our speech theropist at Stroud Elementary. She was conscientious about her job and would build a relationship with each child.
    Chelyne was concerned about each child and their progress. She would have conferences with parents and was upfront about what the students needed.
    I enjoyed Chelyne so much because she had a positive attitude. She was happy and concerned about what was going on in your life. I told her I liked the mustang convertible she drove to school. That was perfect for her. Rest in peace.

  6. Jane French

    Rest in peace my dear friend! Thank you for our many years of friendship! I will treasure the memories of our many wonderful and humorous times together! You will always have a special place in my heart!

    Family, may God be with you to strengthen you and heal your sorrow.

  7. Shannon Freeman

    Chelyne and I were “next door neighbors” at East Side Elementary in Chandler. The children adored her and she would bring sunshine and fun into the school for everyone. Plus, we always got a sneak peak of the latest fashions! She taught me how to love, laugh and live in the moment. The love for our families, friends and of course our pets gave us a very strong bond.
    To Chelyne’s family, I want you to know that she loved each of you dearly. Sam was a special light in her life and we had so much fun talking and dreaming about the future for our families.
    I truly was given a special blessing to have Chelyne as a friend and a “sister.” I hope to carry forward in her honor the passion she had for life and to help make this world a better place for all the people and furry friends along this journey. I will miss my sweet, lovable friend. Blessings to her family and friends. Shannon Freeman

  8. Angela Johnson

    To the Barney Family:
    My condolences are with you during this time of great loss.
    May God’s promise at Revelation 21:3-4 to do away with death and anything that brings us pain or suffering bring you comfort and peace.

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