May 24, 1932 – March 18, 2025
Mary Ellen Barton, 92, of Olean, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Olean General Hospital with her son by her side.
Born in Sugarcreek, PA, on May 24, 1932, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Clyde E. Sr. and Ruth E. (Kockler) Hughes. She was raised in Knapp Creek and graduated from Olean High School Class of 1950.
On July 5, 1952, in Knapp Creek, she married the love of her life Richard E. Barton, of Olean. Richard, a US Army veteran of the Korean War, predeceased her on April 13, 2002.
Mary Ellen often spoke fondly of her time and co-workers at Clark Brothers (Dresser) June 1950-51, Daystrom 1951-54, Olean Household (Raymore Flannigan) 1956-66, Blumenthal’s Sporting Goods 1969-77, and Steinhart’s Men’s Clothing 1979-93. She retired in 1993 to devote more time to the loving care of her husband Richard.
She had a “heart of gold” and was always supportive of others. She especially enjoyed bingo, camping, babysitting after her husband passed, socializing with her friends at Cranberry Courts, and she cherished her time with family both in New York and Texas.
She is survived by her son, David (Tracie) Barton of Cypress, Texas; her grandchildren Bailie (Mike) Sloan of Las Vegas, Nevada and Brooklynn (Mark) Shinberger of Kingsland, Georgia; her great-grandsons Maverick and Malachi Shinberger; several nieces & nephews (special family thanks to Mary Jo); and longtime special friends the Suresh family (Kavitha, Suresh, Maler & Tulesi) of Buffalo.
She was predeceased by her husband; two brothers, Clyde E. Jr. and Ralph; four sisters, Evelyn Toothman, Jean Kitchen, Lois Foster, and Nina Croft; one brother-in-law, Frank Toothman, and two sisters-in-law, Sandi Hughes and Jane Hughes.
Family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 1 pm to 2 pm at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St. Olean, with a funeral service starting at 2 pm in the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Anthony Evans officiating. Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cattaraugus County SPCA or the Allegany Fire Department.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Olean General Hospital 2nd Floor Comfort Care nurses for their compassionate services.
Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com
