Long time Humboldt County resident Waletta Mae Barnett passed away on June 29th, 2016 at the age of 72 in Longview, Texas. She was born in Berkeley, California to Mary and Walter Haywood on April 30th, 1944.

She is preceded in death by both parents as well as a brother-in-law, Harry Poletski.

She is survived by her two children: Daughter Tina and her husband Michael Anaya, grandchildren Amber Guerrero and Michael Anaya Jr.; son Joseph Barnett Jr., grandchildren Cassandra Driggers and Carolyn Barnett, and great grandchildren Kaylee, Taven, Carson, and AJ. She is also survived by her four siblings: Sister Rosemary Poletski and children Travis, Todd, and Tammy. Brother Walter Haywood Jr., wife Barb, and children Nikki and Wayne.

Sister Nancy Jones, husband John, and children Jodi and Jennette. Brother Robert Haywood and children Robert Jr. and Russell.

Waletta spent most of her life in Humboldt County. One of her favorite things to do in years past was to have fish fries at her mom’s house with all of her family. As grandkids came along, she loved going camping and looked forward to the summer time when she would have all four of them together again. The summer months would be filled with trips to the swimming hole, the radio going and sun tea brewing on the fence ledge. She loved attending all of their events, from softball to football and everything in between.

Waletta spent the last 14 of her working years at Fortuna Adult Day Health Services. She enjoyed what she did immensely - she could truly say that she loved her job. She considered her clients and coworkers alike to be an extended family, even going so far as to ‘adopt’ a family, extra grandkids included.

After she retired, she moved to Texas and spent her last five years with her baby sister, brother-in-law, her nieces and their families. She was spoiled there, regularly having fresh warm bread brought to her by her nephew and many many fun shopping trips with her ladies of the hill.

Nobody will ever forget the life, love and laughter that Waletta brought to their lives. She went by many names - Mom, Damma, Lala and Wally to name a few. No matter what you called her, you loved her. We all will miss her immensely, and will think of her anytime we see one of her beloved hummingbirds fly past.

Waletta requested in life to not have any funeral or memorial service after her death. We invite you instead to celebrate her life however you see fit - hang a hummingbird feeder, take a camping trip, play some cards or do any number of things that bring you the happiest memories of this wonderful woman.