Leona Louise Barnes

Leona was preceded in death by her

loving husband, Robert; infant daughter, Barbara; parents, Mathew and Johannah Tempel; brothers, Raymond, Russell, Donald, and Jerry.

Leona grew up in St. Paul and Roseville. She graduated from Wilson High School. She met and married

the love of her life, Bob Barnes in 1947. The early years of their married life proved to be a mixture of

love and blessings as well as trials and grief. They were blessed with four children, but lost their second

child, Barbara, in infancy. Her husband, Bob, contracted polio in 1953. Leona bravely managed to care

for two young children, a six-week-old baby, and an ill husband. She frequently drove Bob and the three

children from North St. Paul to Sister Kenney Rehabilitation Clinic in Minneapolis for his physical

therapy.

She worked many part-time jobs when the children were small. When the youngest began school, Leona entered the workplace and skillfully managed her home and work with the support of her husband. Her careers included being a proofreader at West Publishing Company, a school secretary, a credit collection professional for 3M and a call representative at State Farm Call Center.

Leona and Bob loved the Lord Jesus Christ and were active in their church in various ministries. Upon

meeting some people with developmental disabilities in the community, they became friends. With the

help of friends from a local church, they began a ministry of fellowship and bible teaching with them.

They were always available when their friends had needs.

During her years as a widow, she joined Bible Study Fellowship. While in her seventies she became a

discussion leader and made many good friends.

Leona loved her family and friends. She encouraged and faithfully prayed for them. She always enjoyed

having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit her, spend overnights, and go on outings with

her.

She enjoyed reading, fishing, traveling, hospitality, sharing her faith, cooking and baking, going out to

lunch with friends, hosting family events and holidays. Leona especially enjoyed playing cribbage and

other games. She loved to win!

Leona had a kind word for everyone. She was loved by her family, friends and caregivers. We especially

want to thank the staff at Stonecrest Presbyterian Home and the hospice team from Optage Hospice

Care for their kind and competent care of Leona during her journey home to heaven.

Leona is survived by loving sons, Robert (Shari) Barnes, Gary (Debbie) Barnes; daughter, Kristi (Donald)

Schellhammer; grandchildren, Joseph (Carole Lynn) Barnes, Christopher (Sheri) Barnes, Melissa Barnes,

Michael Barnes, Matthew (Caroline) Barnes, Sarah (William) King; thirteen great-grandchildren, and

many relatives and friends.

Graveside Service and Interment will be Tuesday, December 28th at 11 AM at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55418. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 11 AM with visitation 1 hour prior to service from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood St., Maplewood, MN 55109. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service at 12 PM.

If you wish to join the service via Livestream, please scroll down to the next section and click on "Join Livestream" at the time of service.

Memorials may be given to the Union Gospel Mission and Samaritans Purse.