Leslie Barnes

In Loving Memory of Leslie Barnes

1939 – 2025

"Nothing you love is lost. Not really.

Things, people-they always go away, sooner or later.

You can't hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight.

But if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours.

The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart."

- Bruce Coville, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

With deep love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Leslie Barnes, who died

peacefully of natural causes at the age of 86, surrounded by her family at home in Valle Vista,

California. Born in Whittier, California, to Verlin "Coffee" Coffman and Jane Coffman, Leslie

was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and a quick, clever sense of humor

that could disarm even the toughest crowd. She was preceded in death by her younger

brother, Mike Coffman, who passed away in his early 40s. She wasn't one to speak often,

but when she did, her wit could light up a room and leave a lasting impression. Leslie

graduated from high school, attended college, and developed a lifelong love of sports and

health-a passion that shaped much of her life. She was involved in many aspects of athletics

at Hemet High School, where she dedicated 30 years of service to the students and staff. She

was the first person on campus every morning, unlocking the doors before sunrise to make

sure everyone was greeted with a familiar face and a steady presence, never once missing a

day of work. Her commitment went far beyond routine; she truly cared about the people who

walked those halls. Beyond her career, Leslie's greatest devotion was to her family. Married

for 67 years to Robert Barnes, their bond was defined by deep loyalty and quiet devotion.

Together, they raised two children-Kim and Bret-instilling in them the values of hard work,

perseverance, and family. Above all, Leslie was a loving mother-present, patient, and deeply

devoted-pouring her heart into raising her children and guiding them through every chapter

of their lives. During their years in Huntington Beach, Leslie passed on her love of the ocean

to her children, often taking them to the beach to play in the surf and soak in the sun. Her

guidance, support, and unconditional love continued long after they were grown, and

her influence shaped not only who they became, but how they now raise their own

families. She had a natural way with animals, especially the difficult ones. She rescued feral

cats from the high school, often taming those no one else could handle, and found them

loving homes. Leslie held an orange belt in Tae Kwon Do, and for much of her life, began

every day with an early morning walk around Hemet with friends. These walks were more

than exercise-they were her way of staying connected and present in her community.

Always well put-together and stylish, she took pride in her appearance and carried herself with

quiet grace. Leslie was also a proud grandmother to five-two granddaughters and three

grandsons-and a great-grandmother to six-four great-granddaughters and one

great-grandson-with another great-grandson on the way. Nothing brought her more joy than

watching them grow, cheering them on in their pursuits, and celebrating every milestone, big

or small. Her warm hugs were a constant comfort-an embrace that could make any

problem feel smaller and any moment feel more special. She believed deeply in their

potential and wanted nothing more than to see each of them succeed and find happiness. Her

love and encouragement were constants in their lives-a guiding light they will carry with them

always. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Robert, who took exceptional

care of her in her final years, her children Kim and Bret, her younger sister Margo De

Vany-Dale, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her faithful dog, John Wayne,

who rarely left her side. Leslie Barnes will be remembered for her loyalty, her humor, her

deep commitment to others, and the way she made people feel truly welcomed and

seen-whether in a school hallway, on a morning walk, or in her home. She was the heart of

her family, a steady light in her community, and she will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on

in the generations she loved so fiercely