Lori Kathleen Barnes

Lori Kathleen Masterson Barnes, 44, passed peacefully Monday, July 3, 2023, at her dream home surrounded by family and friends. Lori loved to say "keep it simple as that's how I like it." Unfortunately telling Lori's life story cannot be simple.

Born on May 23, 1979, to Debbie and Tod Masterson, Lori grew up in Payneville as the oldest of three daughters, graduating from Meade County High School in 1997. She was field commander of the Meade County High School Band.

Lori worked 20-plus years in healthcare, finishing her career in private practice at Erin Bryant, APRN PLLC. She took great joy in caring for others and was loved by thousands of patients over the years.

Lori left a legacy as a runner. She stood on many podiums over the years, once outright winning a 50-mile race she finished with a broken shoulder. Lori was most proud of The Backyard Classic, a race she created with her friends, Ben Bryan, Kelly Berry and husband, Damon. The race was special, raising more than $40,000 for the community and creating a family experience, where runners could come together to celebrate the joy of running.

Lori adored her family and loved them fiercely. She was preceded in death by her father, Tod Masterson; three uncles, Bud, Barry and Mickey Masterson; and her granny, Martha Sue Young.

Lori is survived by her mother, Debra (Malcolm) Pike; her two sisters, Dana (Todd Robinson) Masterson and Julie (Bailey) Hampton; her mother-in-law, Susan (Alan Williams) Young; her father-in-law, Mike (Kelly) Barnes; her grandparents, Kenneth Young and Helen Barnes; two brothers-in-law, Jacob (Detra) Barnes and Eli Barnes; four sisters-in-law, Hannah (Matt) Gilbert, Sarah (Blake) Rice, Taylor (Alex) Walters and Shayla (Jared) Gibbons; two bonus sisters, Brittany Pike and Heather (Josh) Mason; a bonus brother, Jamin Pike; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends who were family to her. Special mention to her Uncle David (Kathy) Masterson.

Her greatest accomplishment is her three children, Cameron (Raynna), Isabella and Carissa; as well as three grandchildren, Syrus, Ensley and Ella Jo; and her two spoiled dogs, Leia and Obi. Lori cared for them, protected them and gave all the love she had to them.

Finally, Lori leaves behind her husband, Damon, whom she spent the best 10 years with. Traveling the world, building a home, running races, taking care of a vast menagerie of animals and most importantly loving each other with everything they had.

Lori's last gift to her family were her final wishes. While known by many, Lori was a private person in many aspects and wanted her end-of-life celebration to be that way. A lover of nature, she asked for a green funeral. Her parting words being:

"Remember me when you are at Otter Creek. Remember me when you're floating on the lake or just sitting still. Remember that I am still there in the heron and the turtles and in the wind in the trees. Whatever your dreams are just do it. Do not wait. Love each other. Be a good neighbor and friend like the ones we have been blessed with. Love you all, Lori."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to an Environmental Education Fund in Lori's name at Lori Barnes Education Fund, c/o Carrie Warren at Bank of Buffalo, 2375 Lincoln Farm Road, Hodgenville KY 42748.

Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home in Hodgenville is in charge of arrangements.