Patricia Ann (Crouse) Barnes, 77, died peacefully in her home on January 20, 2022 after a brief struggle with cancer. Born on September 16, 1944 to Melvin and Kathryn (Dumas) Crouse in Otsego, MI where she grew up and graduated high school, then enlisted in the Air Force in 1962.

Pat retired from Langley Air Force Base in 1992 after a distinguished 30-year military career, obtaining the highest NCO rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  She was deeply patriotic and never tired of flying the American Flag or of hearing the Air Force fighter jets roar overhead during training maneuvers.  After retirement she earned her Associate Degree in Public Administration and Human Services from Thomas Nelson Community College, then her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from St. Leo University. Pat also worked part-time at the Hampton Public Library.

Mostly, Pat enjoyed her yard work, taking daily walks in her Old Wythe (Hampton) neighborhood for the past 20 years, and cherished her abundant friends and neighbors.  Her favorite places were Fort Monroe and Colonial Williamsburg, and nothing nourished her soul like being near the water, and that's where her ashes will be scattered. A grave marker will be placed in her honor at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA and in her hometown at Mountain Home Cemetery.

Pat had an especially close relationship with her parents and her niece, taking many memorable travels with each.  She used to say that she had the greatest love affair with her mother from the day she was born.  Pat's and her niece's lives were transformed by their relationship, a generation apart, but as close at heart as could be.

Pat was the quintessential Cat Lady, having had many pets through her years and assisting with projects to care for, then catch, neuter, and release feral cats.  She leaves behind two beloved rescue cats.

She is preceded in death by her father; beloved mother and step-father Kathryn & Ray Hughes; brother, Charles Hughes; and brother-in-law John Howe.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sister, Donna Howe, Otsego, MI; nephews John Howe Jr., Kalamazoo, MI and Gary (Donna) Howe, Plainwell, MI; niece Deborah Williams, Floral City, FL; three great-nieces and a great-nephew, their children; and many distant relatives.

Pat will also be dearly missed by numerous people, especially her long-time Hampton friends, Bill Tennis, Pat & (late) Donna Messer, Dan & Mary Magahay, Judy Hale, and June & Susan Firth.  Many people called Pat "friend," an honorable title that will remain in their hearts.

Pat attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her entire life was wrapped around her deeply held faith in Jesus Christ.  Her life verse was from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  " Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to either the Peninsula SPCA, the Cat Corner in Hampton, or one's favorite place of worship.

A Visitation for family and friends will be between 3:00–5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 8, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA 23666. (757)-825-8070.