Lois Barnes

1924 - 2021

Lois Barnes 1924—2021
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. Condolences may be shared at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.