Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT – September 4, 2002

Ruthie Lee Barnes

Sept. 24, 1930 - Sept. 1, 2002

Mrs. Ruthie Lee Barnes, 71, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, who resided on South Iowa Street, South Bend, Ind., departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 1, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

On Sept. 24, 1930, in North Little Rock, Ark., she was born to Jessie (Morris) and George Hunt, who both preceded her in death. Coming from North Little Rock at the age of 14, she moved to South Bend. She was baptized at a very early age. She was united in holy matrimony to Henry Barnes Sr. on March 25, 1949, in South Bend, who also preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 1985.

She was a former member of the New Salem Baptist Church. She worked as a laborer and retired from Nylon Craft in 1991 after 23 years of service.

Mom will always be remembered for her sweet disposition, soft-spoken voice and her gentle touch. Before her illness, she enjoyed traveling with her son Henry, who always teased her about being ready to go in five minutes. Mom also enjoyed all-day shopping spree's. Most of all, mom enjoyed her children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly cared for.

Mrs. Barnes leaves to cherish her loving memory eight daughters, Mable (James) Wilson, Lucille Barnes, Cassandra Boney, Jeanette Nichols and Barbara (Luther) Rouser, all of South Bend, Marie (Nebraska) Scott and Crystal Barnes, both of Las Vegas, Nev., and Parthina (Joseph) Pierce of Little Rock; a son, Henry Lee (Mary) Barnes Jr. of South Bend; 12 grandchildren, Sonya D. Jackson, Michael J. Wilson, Ladonna J. Chatman, Jason A. Boney, Shawanna Wakes, Tadesa D. Nichols, Christopher S. Boney, Kevin Barnes, Tanicia K. Nichols, Latoya N. Rouser, Shannon J. Rouser and Dale P. Shines; 20 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Wilson of St. Louis, Mo.; a brother of North Little Rock; along with a host of other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and George Hunt; her husband, Henry Barnes Sr.; and by two brothers, Charles and Tommie Hunt.

Grandma, you are the center of our love, our heritage and our faith. You have guided us, educated us, loved us, and helped provide the wings for us to fly. Although it's hard for us to say goodbye to you, we will find encouragement in knowing that God felt it was time to take you and allow you to eternally rest in His arms. We will continue to grow as we remember and pass on all the strength and love that you have instilled within us. God said that He will give His angels charge over His people. We know that His newest angel will still be watching, loving and protecting us, just like you did when you were here.

We'll miss you and always love you...

Funeral services for Mrs. Ruthie Lee Barnes will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, in Alford's Mortuary. Visitation will occur from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday in the chapel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary.