Karen Cecilia Barnes

Karen Barnes, 82, of Greeley, Colorado passed away on Wednesday September 3, 2025, at Riverbend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Loveland Colorado. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday September 23, 2025, 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a lunch reception to follow at Allnutt funeral home in Greeley Colorado.

Karen was born on August 2, 1943, in Winner, South Dakota to Bert and Cecilia Tideman of Carter South Dakota. She was a farmer’s daughter through and through and was her beloved Daddy’s right hand on the farm well into adulthood. This instilled a very strong work ethic she employed her entire life. She graduated from Winner High School in 1960 and received her certificate of registration from the McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1963. She then started her career at Weld County General Hospital alongside her sister Mary Ann in Greeley, Colorado. She met her husband John Barnes at this time and they were married in Winner South Dakota in November of 1964. Karen and John lived and worked in various parts of the country, Missouri, Montanna, Idaho, and different areas of Colorado before settling into Greeley Colorado in 1985 for the next 40 years. Karen worked several years at Greeley Orthopedic Associates before retiring in 2007. She took great pride in her work and made lifelong friends with many of her colleagues.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Cecilia (New) Tideman, sister Donna (Tideman) Graf, and sister Mary Ann (Tideman) Clyde.

Karen is survived by her husband of 60 years John Barnes, her daughter and best friend Karissa Barnes, and special best girl Hetty.

Karen was selflessly dedicated to her family and friends. She never hesitated when anyone needed help, quick with a warm caring smile and determined nature to always find a way. She was a constant fixture at most baseball games John coached, usually keeping score, and every school, music, and sport event Karissa had. Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh, often until she cried. She was incredibly caring, loyal, and had a kind gentle way that gave people comfort and support.

Karen was a lifelong animal lover and always had a dog in her lap. She had countless dogs throughout her childhood and adulthood and completely adored each of them. On the farm she would always make sure the cats got an airborne stream of milk while she was milking the cows. One summer afternoon when she and her Daddy came in for dinner, Karen was clutching her stomach as if she were sick. Her Mother was greatly concerned, until Karen revealed several orphaned pheasant chicks found in the field while working.

Karen loved Elvis, Toby Keith, garage sales, cappuccino, antiques, Arby’s, Olive Garden, ice cream, and was always up for an adventure. One year Toby Keith came to Red Rocks on her birthday, and she was surprised with a limo after dinner to and from the show. She spoke of that evening for a very long time!

Equal to her love and dedication to her family was her deep and unwavering personal connection to God and her Catholic faith. It was extremely important to her and was a priority every day of her life. She attended daily mass often and always had a medal or two in her pocket.

A rosary will be held on September 23, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave, Greeley, at 10:30 am, a Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held at Allnutt Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, immediately after the mass.

Karen’s favorite color was red, and the family would be pleased if those attending the service are able to wear red to honor not only Karen, but also as a symbol of the deep love Karen gave to all that knew her.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests contributions to the American Humane Society or Alzheimer’s Association.