Ellarene Barnes

Ellarene is survived by her son, Joffre and wife Carrie LaFontaine; step children, Rick, Gerald, Hazel and Martin; sister, Janet Quimby and several grandchildren. Ellarene was preceded in death by her father, John Copp; mother, Bertha Weeks; sister, Marietta Welch; first husband, Joffre LaFontaine; second husband, Herbert Barnes; step daughter, Joffraine Belanger; step son, Leonard LaFontaine and step daughter, Tina Robinson.

Ellarene Barnes was born on April 3, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Okemos High School and then pursued college at Michigan State University, studying agriculture. After moving to Novi, she opened Copp’s Riding School. She then married Joffre LaFontaine and together they welcomed one child, Joffre Jon LaFontaine Jr., as well as three step children, Joffraine, Rick, and Leonard. Prior to her husband Joffre’s passing, she began working for the State of Michigan Horse Racing Commission. She later married Herbert Barnes and welcomed his four children, Gerald, Martin, Hazel, and Tina.

Ellarene’s life was filled with love for her family and horses. Ellarene’s passion was for showing horses in Western Pleasure, Jumping and Trail. She enjoyed showing up until her 80’s and shared her passion for horses with her grandchildren, Madelynn and Lauren. She was also very passionate about helping others and spent many years donating her time to Meals on Wheels and Ten Friends Diner.

A visitation is scheduled at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing, MI 48823, Friday, Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. until service at 12 noon.

Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos, MI.

In lieu of flowers, envelopes with be provided for donations to Ten Friends Diner, 1412 Wyandotte St., E., Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9A 3K9 and Detroit Horse Power, P.O. Box 6974, Detroit, Michigan 48206

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