Photo courtesy of Hermann Funeral Home - Stockton
Stockton, Illinois
Feb 15, 1924 – Mar 10, 2021 (Age 97)
Lois Martz Barnes, age 97, passed away March 10, 2021 at Oakley Courts in Freeport.
Lois was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother!
She had a strong Christian faith. She was a prayer warrior for everyone who called on her for prayers.
She made it her priority to send lovingly chosen birthday greetings to every one of her family members, always timing their arrival perfectly!
Lois was born in Brookville Township, Illinois on February 15, 1924 to Nathaniel and Edna (Wehmeyer) Martz. She attended one room country schools and graduated from Lanark High School in 1941.
On December 21, 1941, she and Ronald Barnes were married in Milledgeville. She and Ronald farmed for fifty years, retiring in 1983. They continued to live on their farm until 1996 when they moved to Shannon. Ronald passed away in 2004.
Lois was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church. She taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and Youth Fellowship for many years. She led the Children’s Mission Group in the old E.U.B. Church. She was a lifelong member of United Methodist Women, serving in many local offices as well as the Rockford District Mission Team, and the Rockford District Superintendent’s Committee.
Lois and Ronald were privileged to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC in 1986. They were active in Lay Witness Teams. Lois attended many Bible studies, also leading some.
Lois was a Charter Member of the Carroll County H.E.A. and served on their Board. She served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and was a one on one visitor at Shannon Villas Nursing Home. She baked cookies for the Mentoring program at Eastland Middle School. She enjoyed church, Sunday School, fishing, the Cubs, and winter trips to their home in Florida.
Spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-granddaughter brought her much joy!
Surviving are her children: Joel (Betty) Barnes, Spring City, TN; Janet (Dan) Foust, Bishop, GA; Jeanne (Ken) Groezinger, Shannon, IL; and Jayne (Wayne) Grumbling, Indianapolis, IN; 10 grandhcildren, Susan (Bill) Lepianka, Valrico, FL; Joani (Brian) Bardell, Freeport, IL; Ronald J. Barnes and Al Dimmer, Trinity, FL; Alan Foust, Windber, PA; Andrew (Liz) Foust, Plainfield, IL; Anne (Marshall) Henderson, Katy, TX; Angela (Jeff) Norton, Lake Carroll, IL; Rich (Amy) Groezinger, Shannon, IL; Joshua Grumbling, Nagoya, Japan; Kristina (Minh) Chau, Indianapolis, IN; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving; her brother, two sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband and brother.
Our heartfelt thanks to Sheila and the wonderful staff at Oakley Courts, for their loving care of Lois.
A private family service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for the Rockford Rescue Mission.
Read MoreMy condolences to the family of Lois Barnes. My sympathies to Joel and his family, Janet and her family, Jeanne & Ken and their family, Jayne and her family. May your memories of Lois keep her Spirit in your hearts, always. Rest in Peace Mrs. Barnes.
Greg Hartman
March 19, 2021 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
What a beautiful lady inside and out.Lois is a prime example of working eloquently on her dashes in her life.We will never forget her with a warm,kind words and smile.
Kip&Joan Elbert
March 12, 2021 | Friend
Mrs. Barnes was a s lovely lady. I was lucky to have known her while I was growing up. She will be missed.
Terry Hixson
March 12, 2021 | Friend
Mrs. Barnes was a s lovely lady. I was lucky to have known her while I was growing up. She will be missed.
Terry Hixson
March 12, 2021 | Friend
My condolences on the passing of such a wonderful lady. I grew up with Angie and Rich Groezinger, and met Lois many times growing up. Always a smile and a kind word. Into the arms of our Lord shall she be delivered. Rest in peace Mrs. Barnes.
Thad Schrader
March 11, 2021 | Alton, IL | Friend
Lois was probably the nicest lady I have ever known! My best memory of her is us talking about the cubs and the Cardinals. She was SO happy when her cubs finally won the world series. What a smile she had on her face. Her and I had a special connection. I wont ever forget when she told me she loved me. What a special woman she was. I will never forget her! ❤
Michelle Monks
March 10, 2021 | Winnebago, IL | Friend
Thoughts and Prayers to The family!
Georgia Alexander
March 10, 2021 | Shannon, IL
Lois Barnes, if anyone has earned their Angel Wings you are at the top of the list. You have lived a long wonderful life and have done many great things in your life in the name of God. May you be at peace in your new home in Heaven. We will all cherish our memories of you.
Kenneth Groezinger
March 10, 2021 | Shannon, IL | Family
