Lola Jane Justis Barnett

Ellettsville - On December 28, 2023, beautiful Lola "Jane" Justis Barnett, surrounded by the love of her family, passed on to the place prepared for her in Heaven.

She was 87.

Mom was a special woman. People would often comment on her sweet nature.

She was "fixy" - had a love for pretty clothes, red lipstick, shopping, her little house in the country, flowers growing in flower boxes outside her kitchen window, making holidays so memorable for her family, decorating her Christmas tree with boxes and boxes of old-fashioned silver icicles, unsweetened iced tea with lots of ice, pretty comforters and rugs, a clean floor, and Blake Shelton on The Voice.

Mom was an avid IU basketball fan. She was an excellent cook and especially loved a good salad, desserts, and ice cream. Because she enjoyed life so much, it was easy to have the greatest fun with her; she loved to laugh, listen to all kinds of music, see a good movie at the theater, attend music concerts, eat out, go to garage sales, and play cards and games with her family and friends (especially Bridge and Euchre). She also enjoyed taking trips and delighted in planning activities for us.

As a teenager, Jane had a love of fashion and drawing sketches of lovely 1950's tulle prom dresses. During her time as a stay-at-home mom, she developed a passion for still life oil painting. We would often come home after school to the smell of turpentine as mom meticulously blended paint colors making them as realistic as possible. She was an artist whether on sketch paper with pencil, oil on canvas, or decorating her home. Her talent was undeniable.

If a grandchild had an event, you'd find her there enthusiastically cheering them on; basketball games, baseball games, tennis matches, cheerleading, jazz band concerts, award ceremonies, or a show at the Bluebird to see her grandson play his drums.

Born on December 31, 1935, in Ellettsville, Indiana, she was the daughter of Wilson "Willie" and Wilma Inez Justis. She and her identical twin sister, Lura "June" joined a wonderful family including sisters Lois and Phyllis as well as a brother, Richard "Richie."

Mom grew up in a close family with loving parents (married for 50 years) and siblings who would remain close their entire lives. Later in life, you'd find them at the Village Inn in Ellettsville every Thursday having lunch together or gathering at one of their homes for the monthly Euchre party.

Jane graduated from Ellettsville High School. She looked forward to attending the Alumni Banquet through the years to visit with the many friends she made during her school years. Mom often expressed her fondness for the small community of Ellettsville where she grew up.

After high school graduation, she married and they became the parents of three daughters; Lynn, LuAnn, and Caryl (Kettery). She was a stay-at-home mom until we were older at which time she began working as a keypunch operator at Indiana University. After 20 years of employment there, she retired.

In the Spring of 1980, Jane married Stewart Barnett. Together, they had a good life. She was happy. They remained married for 43 years until her passing.

Most of all, Mom treasured spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, she adored them all and she loved Stewart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Wilma Justis; sisters June Kinser and Lois Curry (Bill), brother Richie Justis (Gwen), and son-in-law Mick Narey.

Jane is survived by her husband Stewart Barnett; daughters Lynn Narey, LuAnn Sowder Rodriguez (Jaime), and Caryl Baugh Brown (Matt), stepson Stewart Ray Barnett (Delight);

Grandchildren Luke Narey and Alex Narey, Natalie Sowder McKenzie, Emily Sowder Marquez, Adam Sowder, Ryan Baugh, Shelby Baugh, and Hannah Barnett Vowel;

Eleven great-grandchildren, sister Phyllis DeFord, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held at a date to be decided upon.

We'll miss you, mom.