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Katharine Barnes Obituary
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. E.H. Barnes. She leaves behind one son, Dr. R.F. Barnes, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by good friend Mrs. Mary Fahnestock and family and her caregivers.
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Memories and Condolences
for Katharine Barnes
Sponsored by Australian Terrier International/Pamela Clavette Levy.
Annette Houdek
August 5, 2025
Just the other day I was thinking about Katherine and I walking the trails on her property with night vision binoculars looking for critters. She was game for trying anything.
Terry N Hamlin
August 3, 2025
Katharine is never far from my thoughts. It was a gift to know her as well as I did, and I am grateful. Love you, K!
Judith Phillips
July 31, 2025
Oh how I would love to talk to you. You always were encouraging to me. I could sit and listen to your stories about your life for hours. I looked forward and enjoyed your hair appointments
Annette Houdek
July 31, 2024
I miss Katharine so much that I never deleted her email from my computer. I know one thing for sure now days she would have Fox News channel on 24/7
Terry Hamlin
July 31, 2024
I miss the wonderful talks we had - and the twinkle in her eye because she was having fun!
Judy Phillips
July 31, 2024
Clients come into my life and some leave lasting memories. Kathrine was one of those. I think of her often. Seems like yesterday she was telling me about her early years.
Nancy L Foster & Frank C Foster
July 31, 2024
Miss her & think of her often. Cannot believe it has been 14 years. She would love knowing about this upcoming election!
Judith Phillips
August 1, 2022
I think of Catherine often. she was such a joy to be my client she came every week to the beauty shop. She always told me a story of growing up or some of her wonderful times with her furbabies.
Annette Houdek
August 1, 2022
With lots of memories to choose from I am thinking of the time Katharine took me and my springer spaniel walking the trails Ray had cut for her on her property. She was so happy out there looking at nature and having someone to accompany her. She had to have been around 84 at the time but still wanted to hike her land.
Frank and Nancy Foster
July 31, 2022
No one forgets Katharine. She is often in your thoughts. A special gal!
Terry Hamlin
August 3, 2021
Those who knew Katherine might have been familiar with her friendship with Charlie Nystrom, whom she mentored since he was a young teen. He has recently joined both her and his wife, Betty - his "two favorite ladies." May they all rest in peace.
Annette and Don Houdek
August 2, 2021
It's hard to believe that 11 years have passed by since we lost Katharine. She is alive in my thoughts, and now when I talk about her to my neighbors they know her through the stories I tell them. She was one of a kind.
Vickie Carson
August 1, 2021
I thought of Katherine the other day when I was looking through my (almost 40 year old) album of my dog Sprite Lea Bosley. Katherine wrote and sent me many, many letters and notes over the years after we purchased Bosley from her. I´ve saved every single one along with the post-marked envelope. I sometimes go back and read them. Those were happy days. She was a wonderful lady.
Judy Phillips
July 31, 2021
I think of Catherine often. She was such joy when she came to get her hair fixed. Always with knowledge and laughter
Nancy & Frank
July 31, 2021
I think of Katharine often & wonder what she would think of all the stuff going on these days. She would have an opinion, that's for sure! Miss her. She was a very special person.
Darlene
August 5, 2020
When I was first looking for an Aussie her name was given to me along with Marge. I was intimidated by the Dr title. About 5 years later she and I connected through phone and I was training chelsey in obedience. Not only did she share trading tips she sent me her articles and other items as she was no longer training. I think of her every time I see the articles. I wished that I would have met her in person
Terry Hamlin
August 3, 2020
I am so grateful for her friendship and the difference she made in my life. My years working with her were a gift.
Annette and Don Houdek
August 2, 2020
She would always tell us when we were concerned about something
“it will all work out”
We miss her so much
Nancy & Frank Foster
August 1, 2020
She was an amazing person. Everything she chose to do, she did very well. Always interested in dog stuff & life in general. Miss you Katharine!
Charlie Nystrom
July 31, 2020
I am sure Katharine looked up my wife Betty who passed on on in November of 2009. I am sure they they have many conversations . I look forward to joining in, two of my favorite ladies.
August 1, 2019
Katharine was an amazing lady who deeply touched so many lives! She was both a friend and mentor to me, for which I will be eternally grateful. Charlie, you had a special place in her heart!
Charlie Nystrom
July 31, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Katharine who has been my life since I was 14. She was also my first boss at the College of Lake County after I left active duty in the Army. A wonderful lady.
May 12, 2013
Next time I am down at the training center, where Katharine trained with my husband (obedience), I will look for the photo from the day Katharine and Ethan earned their Utility title. We were so proud of her. I will post the photo on this site. She was an amazing gal! Still miss her. Nancy
Terry Hamlin
May 11, 2013
Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of her, or see something that reminds me of her. And each time, it warms my heart. She was such an influence in my life, and I miss her dearly. It's gratifying that additions are still being made to her Guest Book!
Chuck Ingerson
May 10, 2013
Hi - expressing how much Katharine has meant to my brother Charlie in his life and the profound effect this is turn on so many others. She's in a much better place having lived a wonderful life - chuck ingerson
Joseph Volpendesta
May 10, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Barnes but my long-time friend Charlie Nystrom has always spoken very highly of her. Please accept my condolences; perhaps, I'll get to meet her on the other side.
Charlie Nystrom
May 10, 2013
Vickie,
I only wish that more people whose lives Katharine had touched had been able to attend her memorial. The list must have been huge. I look forward to seeing her again one day. May the Lord look after us all.
Annette
May 10, 2013
Vickie,
It was so nice to read your entry about Katharine. I too will never forget all the time we shared with her and have those good memories to fall back on. Katharine coached me when I was going to attempt to show my Cavalier in the breed ring. She was a wonderful person. I loved her dearly.
Vickie Carson (Boultbee)
May 9, 2013
I only found out recently that Katharine Barnes passed away. I wish I had known so that I could have attended her memorial. I really didn't know her well and it was only for a short time that I had contact with her, but the memories have stayed with me for almost 30 years. I had wanted an Australian Terrier for a long time and bought my precious Sprite Lea Bosley from her. It was about a 5 hour drive to her kennel and rather than having us driving back home that same day, Katharine generously offered to put us up for the night. We were both surprised and grateful for her generosity. Katharine introduced me to the world of dog shows. We had only wanted a pet and really had no interest showing, but Katharine (along with Paul and Una Gigous), encouraged me to enter him in shows. I'll have to admit I did so rather poorly, but Bosley shined in spite of my ineptitude. I have never forgotten Katharine's encouragement and assistance during the short time I was showing Bosley. Thanks to her, I have memories that I have (and will) cherish for a lifetime.
Nancy Foster
September 25, 2010
A lovely memorial service was held last Saturday at Katharine & Gene's former home in Richmond, IL. A Burr Oak was planted in their memory and the service was attended by many old friends.
Plaque in honor of donation of Katharine & Gene Barnes land to McHenry Co., Richmond, IL
Nancy Foster
September 25, 2010
Burr Oak planted in memory of Katharine @ Memorial service
Nancy Foster
September 25, 2010
Annette Houdek
September 20, 2010
Rest in peace dear Katharine. All of us that loved you were so privileged to be part of your memorial service. We knew about each other but most of us had never met before, and yet we embraced each other as if we were long lost friends, thanks to you.
I will cherish the memory of the community spirit we shared that day. I know you were smiling down on us as we planted your tree. You are home and I know you are happy.
With lots of Love and Deep Admiration
Charlie Nystrom
September 14, 2010
Dearest Katharine, you were a dear friend to me for over fifty years. I met you when I was a freshman in high school. I mowed your lawn in Green Oaks. I sent you letters when I was overseas in the army, and received your letters to my joy. When I was looking for a job teaching, you hired me when veterans could not even get an interview. You were then the best boss I ever had. You and Gene were among the first to meet my future wife, Betty. I am sure, by now, you have found her and told her I still love her and expect to be with her soon.
I miss ours long talks. Love you. Charlie
Terry Hamlin
September 13, 2010
Katharine hired me as a paraprofessional at the College of Lake County over 35 years ago. Although she retired 5 years later because of Gene's health, we stayed in touch and became good friends. A highlight of each summer was meeting her for lunch and sharing a bottle of wine over hours and hours of non-stop wonderful conversation. She was a prime example of a woman holding her own and truly enjoying the intellectual challenge of it. I remember her coming back from meetings just fuming and sputtering - then she'd look at me, giggle, and say,"Isn't this fun?" I think one reason why she and Gene chose Aussies is because they were terriers in spirit - feisty, independent, and smart.
I cannot imagine life without her in it. She was my mentor, dear friend, and "family of the heart." And I miss her more than words can say.
Margaret Gigous
September 2, 2010
I met several of your dogs before I met you. Working with Paul and Una as a teenager enabled me to get to know your Aussies quite well. I was always impressed with their quality. When I went up to Richmond to see your place, I was amazed and impressed. You took such good care of your dogs and cared about them deeply. I found it peaceful to walk on your property. Your big window that looked out at the bird feeders was one of my favorite places to sit. I remember how you used to walk out and put worms in the bluebird feeders. You certainly cared about God's creation!
I know that you and Paul's first wife, Una, used to spend hours talking on the phone. Now you have a lifetime to catch up!
It comforts me to know that you are at peace and at home with Gene and all of your hairy critters!
Your memory will live on in Aussie world!
Paul Gigous
September 2, 2010
Sept 2,2010
I know you are at home with Gene now. I will miss both of you. You were more then a client to show dogs for. I learned so much about Aussies from you and Gene. I remember the good times we had together. Watching the birds from your windows. Playing and training the dogs. I know where ever I went to show your dogs people would come up to me and ask, "Is this a Sprite Lea Aussie?" I know the rainbow bridge was a busy place with all those Aussies trying to get across with you.
Katherine, if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that glorious shore.
Love,
Paul
Carol Hagan
August 28, 2010
Thank you for caring so much for may son, Paul over the years. You became such an important part of his life when he needed someone so much, and then continued to advise and counsel him whenever he need a great opinion. You were truly a great influence to him and his wife, Renee. Rest in peace, Katherine, knowing you did such good during your lifetime.
Renee/Paul DiBona
August 28, 2010
We will miss you so much Katharine. We will miss your frequent phone calls to check in on us and make sure things were okay. You loved Paul so much and I am so thankful he had such a wonderful friend. I love you for excepting me and loving me just as much. You gave us great advice and listened when we needed you to. I never thought you could love someone that much but we truly love you. Thank-you for introducing us to the Australian Terriers you loved so much. We will always have one of our own because of you. Rest in peace now with the loves of your life.
Mervi Soiletsalo Black Back aussies
August 27, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Nancy Foster
August 26, 2010
The memorial service is open to all who cared about Katharine and would like to come and share their memories of this great gal. It is Sept. 18, Sat., from 2 to 5 pm at her home in Richmond, IL.
Ray Eisbrener was her friend and lives in her home now & has suggested this. 11406 N. Burlington Rd. It is a beautiful site.
Susan Saulvester
August 25, 2010
Katharine was a friend and mentor to me for many years. The Sprite Lea kennel name that she and Gene initiated created a lasting legacy for the breed. In addition to the hundred or so Sprite Lea champions, she changed hats and in her 80's put a UD on Aussie-Ethan. Besides being a walking encyclopedia on Australian Terriers, she could engage in lively conversation on politics and world affairs. She dearly loved her home in Richmond and it is fitting that this will be her final resting place.
Truly a full life, well lived. Susan Saulvester and Ch Takachance Sprite Lea Jordie.
DruAnne Walmsley
August 25, 2010
Visits with Katharine were never a dull moment. Our rousing talks about politics and the culture of the day were always lively and insightful. She would be an awesome "Tea Party-er". She thoughtfully cared about our children. She will be missed.
Mary Fahnestock
August 24, 2010
Katharine was a very sweet lady and will be sadly missed by me and my family. If you ever knew her you would not forget her. She and I had a bond that could not be explained until the end. We both knew that God put us together so she would be loved and cared for.She was very thoughtful to her friends and loved by all who knew her. She was very inteligent and her life's stories she told me through the years carried me places I will never have a chance to visit.
Katharine and Ethan
August 24, 2010
Words can't express how much I miss my dear dear friend. She was like a mother to me. The memories I have of her will stay in my heart forever.
Annette Houdek, Dunedin, FL
Dianne Wall
August 24, 2010
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Barnes. I know all Aussie owners appreciate her contributions to our beloved breed. Rest in peace, Dr. Barnes.
deborah wolbach
August 24, 2010
Heaven is the place where all the dogs you've loved come to greet you.
Sue Holsinger
August 24, 2010
The greatest achievement one can hope for is to leave something behind for others to follow. You certainly did that in a grand way.
Debbie Miller
August 24, 2010
Thank you Dr. Barnes for all your good contributions to the Australian Terrier breed. May you find happiness in this next exciting journey you are taking.
Marie-Francis Petry
August 24, 2010
As an Australian Terrier owner, I am sorry to learn that such a great Lady passed away. The excellence of her Kennel is well known in Europe. My sinceres condolences to her Family.
Minna Kaartinen
August 24, 2010
Rest in peace Katherine, you have brough lot´s of joy and true friendship to the world through your little Australian Terriers. Strength to your family.
Pamela Clavette Levy
August 23, 2010
The Australian Terrier world has lost a wonderful woman, friend and breeder. Her legacy is all the beautiful dogs, with good health and great temperaments that she breed, that are now the foundation of our beloved Aussies. To her close friends; I am truly sorry for your loss.
Dr. Barnes and Ethan receiving his utility title.
Pamela Levy
August 23, 2010
Dr Barnes and Ethan getting his utility title.
August 23, 2010
Donna Coussement
August 23, 2010
Katharine was a dear friend for many years. I was sorry to hear of her passing. I can see Gene & Katharine together again with their beloved Aussies.
Theresa Goiffon
August 23, 2010
Thank you for your dedication to our wonderful little breed. God Bless and Peace to your family during this difficult time.
Nancy Foster
August 21, 2010
Memorial service will be on 9/18 from 2 to 5 pm at her home in Richmond, IL. It is a beautiful place for her to be, with Gene and Ethan's ashes.
Nancy/Frank Foster
August 15, 2010
Those of us who knew Katharine and her beloved dogs here in Illinois will miss her. She was one smart cookie!
Judy Phillips
August 15, 2010
I will miss the talks we had while I was styling Katharine's hair. She inspired me every time she came into the shop. She will be missed.
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