February 16, 2006

AUDREY FRANCIS BARNES
(9/6/1912 – 2/5/2006)

Audrey Francis Barnes, 93, of Kahoka, MO, entered into rest February 5, 2006 in Keokuk Area Hospital, Keokuk, IA.

She was born September 6, 1912 in Adair Co., near Kirksville, MO, the daughter of William Lester and Margaret “Maggie” Ann Slocum Francis.

She married Earl J. W. Barnes on April 11, 1935 at Kirksville, MO. He preceded her in death on December 26, 1970.

Survivors include two sons, James F. Barnes and his wife, Mary, of Luray, MO, and William D. Barnes and his wife, Joyce, of Kahoka, MO; four daughters: Leta D. Brown of Kahoka, MO, Margaret A. Keller and her husband, Ken, of St. Charles, MO, Pat L. Armstrong and her husband, Gale, of Luray, MO, and, Earlene L. Ash and her husband, Darrell, of Highland, IL; as well as 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and, 20 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a great-granddaughter, Dana Jenkins.

Audrey received a Bachelor of Science degree from Kirksville State Teacher’s College. She taught in various elementary schools in the area, the last 13 years prior to her retirement at Hamilton, IL.

She was a member of the First Christian Church at Memphis, MO, and former organist and pianist. She had been very active in the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the former Greensburg Chapter # 258 (now Colony Chapter # 543) where she had served in various capacities, including Worthy Matron and organist. She enjoyed volunteering in her church and in any way she could help others and had helped with Meals on Wheels for a number of years. She was an avid quilter and loved to bake. She especially loved to bake pineapple bread, hot rolls, and made the best apple pies. She loved spending time outdoors, and loved digging in the dirt in her garden. She also loved picking blackberries. Her family was her greatest asset and gave her great pride and joy.

Funeral services were held February 8, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Ernest Deatrick officiating. Special music was by Mrs. Elaine Forrester and Mrs. Angela Westhoff accompanied by Mrs. Kathy Wilson.

A eulogy was given by Mrs. Earlene Barnes together with her daughter, Jill.

Honorary pallbearers were Mark Barnes, Kurt Keller, Trevor Armstrong, and Jeff Armstrong.

Pallbearers were Randy Barnes, Mike Barnes, Steve Armstrong, Roger Keller, Cale Ash, and Roy Brown.

Burial followed in the Memphis Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital, St. Louis.