She was born in Potosi, Missouri on May 29, 1935. Helen graduated from Berkeley High School (Berkeley, Missouri) and attended Rubicam Business School. Upon graduation, she worked at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation where she met her husband, Rex M. Barnes. They were married on July 21, 1956.
Helen enjoyed her life as a homemaker and raising her family. She loved working with her hands, from crafts and gardening to cooking and sewing. Helen served her church in many ways, including church librarian, nursery worker and as a trustee committee member. She was instrumental in organizing the "Shoebox Ministry" (Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan's Purse) at Parker Road Baptist Church and at First Baptist Church, Kimberling City.
Helen is survived by her husband, Rex Barnes; her daughters, Karen (Robert) Pourcho and Lori (Clifford) Welch; her grandchildren, Dwayne Barnes, Timothy Barnes, Katheryn Pourcho, John (Caitlyn) Pourcho, Stephen (Lauren) Pourcho; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle Pourcho, Logan Pourcho and Ruth Pourcho. She was predeceased by their son, John Barnes.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, Missouri. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, Helen would have appreciated donations to the Shoebox Ministry (Samaritan's Purse) at First Baptist Church, PO Box 459 Kimberling City, MO 65686
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