Marion Elizabeth (Hess) Barnes Cook

Marion Elizabeth (Hess) Barnes Cook, a woman of deep faith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, July 22, 2026. She was 87 years old.

Born on April 5, 1939, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Marion was the daughter of William Raymond Hess and Ethel Vollmer Hess. She was raised in Pittsburgh, where she attended Rogers Grade School and graduated from Peabody High School before continuing her education through coursework at the University of Pittsburgh.

From an early age, Marion’s love for music was unmistakable. As a member of Rainbow Girls Chapter #23, she served as a soloist, using the gift of her voice to encourage and inspire others. Music would remain a constant thread throughout her life, bringing her joy, lifelong friendships, and countless opportunities to serve.

On August 25, 1957, Marion married Richard Lewis Moore, and together they welcomed four children: Cheryl Anne, Richard Raymond, Terri Lynn, and William Andrew (who was later adopted into the Barnes family). While raising her family, Marion also pursued a career in nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected her compassionate heart and her desire to care for others with gentleness, dignity, and grace.

Marion married Andrew Franklin Barnes on September 28, 1974. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work as they operated a farming and cattle-feeding business. Whether caring for patients, tending to family, or working alongside Frank, Marion approached every task with quiet determination and a servant’s heart.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and influenced everything she did. She faithfully served at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Lakewood, Colorado; Greeley Wesleyan Church in Greeley, Colorado; and later at Abundant Life Church in Longmont, Colorado. She found great joy in serving wherever she was needed, including as President of the Missionary Society and Co-Chair of the Church Social Committee at Greeley Wesleyan Church. Marion believed that serving others was one of the greatest expressions of God’s love.

That same servant’s heart extended beyond the church walls. As a board member of the Longmont Hospital Auxiliary, she dedicated many hours to supporting patients, families, and healthcare staff, always looking for ways to make life a little brighter for someone else.

Marion’s love of music flourished once again when she joined Sweet Adelines International in 1989. She sang with the High Country Chorus for fourteen years, served on its board, and enthusiastically contributed to the costume committee. The harmony she created with fellow singers reflected the harmony she sought to bring into every relationship throughout her life.

On June 2, 2001, Marion married Alton Leroy Cook, and together they embraced a season filled with adventure and companionship. They traveled throughout the United States and around the world, making treasured memories everywhere they went. Marion was proudly Al’s biggest fan—his “#1 groupie”—whether cheering him on as he played his guitar, singing alongside him during impromptu jam sessions, or joining him in the skies as he piloted small private aircraft. Their shared adventures were a testament to the joy they found in simply being together.

More than any title she held or accomplishment she achieved, Marion will be remembered for the way she loved. She had a gentle spirit that put people at ease, offering a warm smile and a caring touch that never wavered. Whether with family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, she made others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her kindness was genuine, her compassion abundant, and her faith unwavering.

Family and faith were the cornerstones of Marion’s life. She cherished every opportunity to gather with those she loved and considered caring for her family one of God’s greatest blessings. She was especially proud of her three grandchildren, Cameron Dean Storey, Maggie Katherine Barnes (Conway), and Samuel Tucker Barnes, and delighted in watching each of them grow. Her love, encouragement, and faithful prayers will continue to shape their lives for generations to come.

Marion was preceded in death by those she loved deeply: her parents, William and Ethel Hess; her sister, Donna Hart; her beloved husband, Frank Barnes; and her son-in-law, Gary Storey.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Alton Leroy Cook; her children, Cheryl Anne Storey, Richard (Denise) Moore, Terri (John) Snyder, and William (Kellie) Barnes; her cherished grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and friendship.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Marion’s family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words she longed to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23.

Marion’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her unwavering faith, her joyful music, her compassionate service, and the love she so freely gave. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.