On July 9th 1953 an incredible woman was born. She joined her parents Audrey and Alberta Harris, and her brothers Robert Harris and Larry Harris in Kansas City MO and brought with her love, joy and a zest for life.

At a young age the family moved to Carthage MO where she grew into an amazing young woman, attending Carthage High School and Missouri Southern State College.

She met Gene Barnes and dated him for 3 years before marrying him June 1st 1974, and remained married for 49 years. During this time they adopted two children, Tara and Brett. She poured love into them and gave them everything she could. As they grew and had children of their own, her love grew with them. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved them immensely. Helped to provide for them, and show them what love is.

She didn’t just pour her love into her children, she decided to work in the service industry by providing meals to many other children at Carver Middle School. She worked for 26 years doing something she loved, and was loved by the many staff and students whose lives she touched.

Of the many seasons of her life, Christmas was by far her favorite time of year. She loved to transform her home into a winter wonderland full of many decorations, trees, and teapots. She enjoyed hosting parties on Christmas Eve for those friends who could come. Spreading joy and love however she could. Baking trays of cookies and other baked goods to give as gifts.

Her love of baking was passed down to her daughter and grandchildren.

Her love of nature was seen every spring as she lovingly planted flowers to adorn her deck and around her home. Dahlias and Gerbera Daisies were among her favorite flowers.

She was an avid reader, and a collector of recipe books, teapots, and probably way too many Christmas decorations. She loved animals, cats, dogs, and the birds who visited her feeders.

She is survived by her husband Gene, children Tara Wallace {Alex Wallace}, Brett Barnes {Victoria Barnes}, grandchildren Kaylin Barnes, Jay Barnes, Mayer Barnes, Vash Wallace, and Rinoa Wallace, as well as her brothers Robert Harris and Larry Harris, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was loved by all who knew her, and will be missed dearly.