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Hope Thompson Barnett, of Globe, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 at age 97. She was born on Aug. 14, 1922 in Hayden, Arizona to L. C. “Tommy” and Carrie Burnett Thompson. Brother Paul was 15 years older.
Hope graduated Hayden High School, married Lee Acton and had three children: Jerry, Pete and Lynell. Hope and Lee operated the Del Monte Tavern and the Del Monte Cafe in Ray. The family moved to a farm in Buckeye in 1951 “for a healthier lifestyle” where Hope worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for local businesses. In Buckeye she was very active in the 4-H Club, teaching classes and serving as President. They moved to Kearny where she opened the Copper Cup Cafe and later worked as Public Relations secretary for Kennecott Copper Corp. for 21 years. She was actively involved in American Legion Auxiliary and Emblem Club and originated the Kearny Koyotes 4-H Club.
In 1965, she married Les Barnett, and gained a stepdaughter Linda and moved to Globe. Hope and Les bought a cabin in Pine to where they eventually retired, and Hope opened the Foxfire Steakhouse in Strawberry. After that adventure she and Les moved to Elfrida.
They went “totally mobile” from 1988 to 1994. They traveled extensively in their travel trailer from Alaska to Mexico acquiring long lasting friends along the way. They settled in Globe where Les passed in 1999.
At age 81 Hope connected with her third love, Walter Swingle, Lee’s half-brother, whom she had known since childhood and became “Aunt Mom” to his children Lee and Jeanne. Hope had eight romantic years with Walt including Alaska and Panama Canal cruises.
After losing Walt in 2011, Hope continued to go to the gym three times a week, volunteered at the hospital and museum, delivered Meals on Wheels, hosted weekly spiritual meetings, attended Christian Science church, and didn’t miss Wednesday night tacos at the Elks. She drove her car until she was 96!
In April 2019 she moved to Solterra Senior Living in Lakeside where she became the “favorite resident” of the Solterra staff and was warmly and lovingly cared for until her death. The family would like to thank Solterra and the “angel” hospice nurses.
Hope was a loving mother, grandmother and Aunt Hope to many and a devoted friend to many more; she will be forever remembered for her kindness and generosity. She welcomed company to her home anytime with a hug and a smile. She visited friends and family whenever she could and loved to organize and attend reunions, birthdays, and holiday get togethers. She was a Diamondbacks fan, reader and crossword puzzler until the end.
Hope is preceded in death by grandson, Douglas “Zeb” Acton, and survived by children, Jerry (Dixie) Acton, Pete (Susie) Acton, Lynell (Danny) Corbett and Linda (Paul) Tipton; grandchildren, Gigi (Jeff) Trende, Brett Corbett, Vance Acton, Bill (Taryn) Moss Ill., Jeremy (Becca) Acton, Josh (Jill) Acton, Dana Arce and Jacob Acton; many great-grandchildren nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life services were held at Miles Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.
The family was assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services guestbook can be signed at www.BulmanMiles.com
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