Shirley A. Barnes

Shirley A. Barnes

July 24, 1930 - October 1, 2022
Share:

Shirley A. Barnes, 92, of Great Falls, MT passed away peacefully while in the care of Benefis Peace Hospice on October 1, 2022, with her daughter Beverly by her side. She was born July 24, 1930, to Jess and Esther (Hayes) Reed. Shirley was the oldest child and only girl of four children. Shirley attended local schools and held various clerical jobs throughout Great Falls.

In 1948 she married Wade Elwood Barnes and together they shared a life of many adventures including raising three wonderful daughters, Bonnie, Barbara, and Beverly. As a family they always had many fishing and camping excursions, a trip to Disneyland, and enjoyed activities like waterskiing and family picnics in Fort Benton. Shirley and Wade later divorced.

Her favorite past times included gardening, cooking, enjoying long walks, playing pinochle with friends and family, bird watching, and caring for her beloved canine companion, Maggie. In her later years when long walks were no longer possible, she loved to listen to smooth jazz music and watch cooking shows.

In 2002 she joined the Mountainview Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed reading the Bible and learning what it teaches. On May 31, 2003, she was baptized.

She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Christopher of North Carolina, and Beverly (Gerard) Weninger of Great Falls; two stepchildren, Clarice (Bud) Barnes of Kalispell, MT and Wanita Parker of Lancaster, CA; brothers, Newlin (India) Reed of Kent, WA; and Phillip (Barbara) Reed of Las cruces, NM. Shirley had five grandchildren, Leo Jeter, Brandi Jeter, and Jadrien Woods residing in North Carolina. In addition, she held a special bond with her grandchildren who resided in Great Falls, Breanna (Joshua) Wojciechowski and Camaron Weninger (Laurel Neumann). She also has six great-grandchildren, all residing in North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends at the Mountainview Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Esther Hayes Reed; by her daughter, Barbara Burns; brother, John Russell; and sister-in-law, Florence Reed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on Shirley’s behalf to Benefis Peace Hospice (PO Box 7008 Great Falls, MT 59405).

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel (1410 13th Street So.).

Send Flowers

Express your condolences with flowers sent to Shirley's family

Order Online
undisplayed image used for detecting colors