Lana Kay (Nelson) Barnes Passed peacefully on the morning of February 2, 2014. Lana was born April 11, 1942 in Tacoma, daughter of Archie and Ethel Nelson. She attended Grant Grade School, Jason Lee Junior High, and Stadium High School, graduating in 1960, and was honored to receive the Janet Hufford Award signifying the Outstanding Senior Girl. She entered the University of Washington as a freshman and pledged Pi Beta Phi. She met Tim Barnes at a Pi Phi/ATO exchange, and their 50+ year love story began. They were married September 7, 1963 at Little Church on the Prairie in Tacoma, and both graduated from UW in 1964. Their first daughter, Amy, was born in 1967, and their second daughter, Carleigh, was born in 1972. The family moved to Gig Harbor in 1976, where they shared many memories in their home on Wollochet Bay. Lana worked for the Peninsula School District for 20 years in special education, where she made life-long connections with students and staff. Tim and Lana moved to Richland in 1995, and recently relocated to Farmington Hills, MI to be closer to family. Lana loved family, reading, crosswords, playing bridge, her Pi Phi group, and Husky football. She and Tim have been UW Football ticket holders since they graduated. Lana successfully battled breast cancer in 1998 and again in 2010. In December, it was revealed that the cancer had returned as stage 4 breast cancer metastasized in the liver. She died peacefully and pain free in a short, two-month period. Lana was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gloria, and brother-in-law Robert Harper. She is survived by Tim, daughters Amy (Bob) McCann, Carleigh (JP) Flaharty, grandchildren Nora, Catherine and Colin, and her dear nieces and nephews. Cremation arrangements were made by Thayer Rock Funeral Home in Farmington, MI. The family will gather in Gig Harbor later this year to celebrate her life and return her remains to a place dear to Lana and the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 98154.
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A photo I found recently of Lana (bottom right) with the kids in the "hood" taken in the driveway of the Nelson home at 1215 N. Anderson around 1950. Others I know in the pic are my brother Denny Reid next to her, Mark Honeywell behind him, and next to him Mikey Stella and his sister Ellen behind him. I don't know who the two teen girls are or the man who looks like W.C. Fields is or the polka dot woman next to him.
Toby Reid
Friend
February 25, 2024
So sorry to hear of Lana's passing. She was a very special person and had a wonderful way with children. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Vickie and Mel DiLoreto
March 12, 2014
Aunt Lana, you always lit up the room with your smile. You were the best Auntie and we love you so much. You will be in our thoughts and in our hearts forever.
Karen and Bob Sedlak
March 4, 2014
She was just awesome. Hadn't seen her in years but still have all the memories of 4th of July fireworks at the house. So many great memories. I still remember the look she gave me on the playground at Harbor Heights when she had to send me to the office for fighting on the playground because I wasn't the one crying. She didn't want to but I knew she had to.
Greg Copeland
March 2, 2014
We,Larry and I(Karen)grew up with Lana in Tacoma,met in Jr High School Jason Lee/Mason. I graduated with Lana from Stadium HS 1960. Years later I bought Lana's parents home on Wollochet Bay,Gig Harbor, where Lana and Tim built a new home next door. Larry and I watched their girls Amy and Carleigh grow up. We stayed in touch through Stadium/Wilson
reunions. So sorry to learn of her passing. She was a wonderful friend and we will miss her.
Karen Jerdal
March 2, 2014
Lana was such a joy to be around. She always remembered what was up with you and your family. Above all it was obvious how deeply she loved her husband, daughters and grandchildren. I know her heavenly soul watches over them.
Judy Curran
March 2, 2014
Dear Tim and family.
It is such a great loss not to have Lana with us. My wonderful memories of Lana from Grant Grade school to your wedding day will always be with me. I can honor her life by remembering her smile, positive outlook on life and kindness she gave to all that were part of her life. My thoughts and love are with you and your family.
Nancy Milan (Alley)
Nancy Milan
March 2, 2014
I am so sorry to read of Lana's passing. I'll always remember her as the "older girl on the block" when she was growing up on north Anderson Street in Tacoma and she was always so friendly, happy and outgoing. Years later we reconnected in Gig Harbor when our kids were going to school together. I'll always smile when I think of her and memories of childhood times with the Nelson family.
Toby Reid
March 2, 2014
You always brought bright light and happiness with you wherever you were. I will remember your cute smile always.
Sandy Wright
March 2, 2014
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Thayer-Rock Funeral Home - Farmington33603 Grand River Avenue, Farmington, MI 48335
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