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Obituary for Donna Barnes
Donna Dean Barnes, formerly of Oakland, IL, passed into eternal life on November 14, 2021, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Paris, IL, at the age of 94. Donna was born on April 23, 1927, in Douglas County, IL, a daughter of Cecil and Ola Currey Ashmore. Donna attended school in the Brocton school district. After graduation, Donna became a Candy Striper and worked in the Champaign hospitals, caring for those returning from WWII. During this time, Donna and Kenny Barnes were corresponding. Kenny, a pilot in the Air Force, called her on the phone at the end of his service and asked Donna, “How would you like to go on a date with a civilian?” and the love story began. She married Kenneth Harold Barnes in Brocton on June 8, 1946. Ken preceded her in death on October 19, 2008. They were parents of three children: Marsha Lynn, Randall Ken, and Richard Neal. Donna was a dedicated farm wife, and a nurturing mother. Yet, she always took time out to care for herself, as she was a person dedicated to staying active and physically fit. She was a fabulous cook and delivered many meals to the farm. Leaving the farm life, Donna continued making those wonderful comfort food meals to share with family and friends. Here, she found friends in town who shared her dedication to staying active. These exercise buddies could be seen at any time of the day getting their walk in. Her kind and nurturing disposition brought comfort and a smile to many when she volunteered at area nursing homes, the Senior Citizens Center, or a church function. Survivors include her three children: Marsha Cooper (Alan Urbanic) of Stuart, FL, Randy (Debbie) Barnes of Clinton, IN, and Rick Barnes (Elva Heredia) of Reidsville, NC; a son-in-law: Robert Cooper of Lincoln, IL; six grandchildren: Angela (Shawn) Gaddy of Lincoln, IL, Brock (Christina) Barnes of Clinton, IN, Blake (Tania) Barnes of Apex, NC, Rikki Barnes (Patrick) Goodwin of Raleigh, NC, Jonathan (Mallory) Barnes of Apex, NC, and Ian (Kaitlin) Barnes of Cape Coral, FL; five great-granddaughters: Kenna (Stephen) Vinyard, Emily Julia, and Madeline Barnes, Amelia Barnes; one great-grandson: Kieran Barnes; one great-great granddaughter: Oaklee Vinyard; five step great-grandchildren, and five step great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a sister: Monita Jean Christen Axelrod. Per Donna’s wishes cremation was chosen. Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, IL is assisting the family with arrangements. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or to any organization contributing to the benefit of the Oakland community.
