Earlene Barnard Refsnes

Earlene Barnard Refsnes passed away September 12, 2018. A native of Arizona, she was born to Earl E. and Lyndal Barnard in Tempe, AZ on February 6, 1928. She attended Kennilworth Grammar School, Phoenix Union High School and graduated from North High, class of 1945, where she dated Joe Refsnes. Joe joined the Navy, while Earlene attended the University of Arizona as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and graduated from ASU, Phi Beta Kappa. Earlene and Joe married in 1948. Being married to Joe and raising her family was her greatest joy. Traveling, gardening and dancing with Joe occupied her days. Earlene’s civic endeavors ran the gamut from Brownie Troop leader to docent at the Phoenix Art Museum. She enjoyed memberships in the Junior League of Phoenix and the Board of Visitors as well as the Arizona Costume Institute. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph L. Refsnes and survived by daughters; Lyndal Ruth (Eric) Johnstone, Susan Refsnes (Bill) Calhoun, son; Joseph L. Refsnes Jr., three granddaughters; Kari (Bill) Latin, Carmen Cole Refsnes, Lyndal (Cutter) Pleasant, grandson; Ricky Martin, three great-granddaughters, brother; Col. Thomas H. Barnard and sister-in-law; Carolyn Kniazzeh. A private family service has been held. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com